San Francisco 49ers: Early 2015 Awards Predictions

The 2015 NFL season isn't yet upon us, so the time might be too soon to start making predictions toward which San Francisco 49ers players will take home end-of-season awards.

Or maybe it's not.

San Francisco's forthcoming year is already filled with speculation after an offseason riddled with coaching changes, retirements and free-agent departures. But the new faces create new opportunities. 

And some will rise to the occasion.

Let's take a look at some way-too-early predictions for San Francisco's 2015 awards and try to speculate as to which players might take home the accolades.

The 10 awards dished out are as follows:

1. Team MVP
2. Offensive MVP
3. Defensive MVP
4. Breakout Player
5. Comeback Player
6. Team Rookie of the Year
7. Offensive Rookie of the Year
8. Defensive Rookie of the Year
9. Most Improved Player
10. Underwhelming Achievement Award

For the sake of clarity, no player will appear twice on the prediction list. And the higher the award, the higher the accolade.

While each prediction has yet to be determined, there is substantial evidence to suggest that the listed players might receive such accolades—especially those that actually exist.

But the rest is pure speculation and assumption.

Underwhelming Achievement Award: CB Shareece Wright

Ben Margot/Associated Press

Cornerback Shareece Wright had a forgettable effort with the Chargers in 2013 and 2014.

Cornerback Shareece Wright

Thankfully, this award doesn't exist. Such a reward is veiled behind being benched, released or not having a contract extension tendered.

But for the sake of getting the negative out of the way first—and to mention the most disappointing player—such an award would have to fall upon the shoulders of cornerback Shareece Wright.

Wright was picked up as a free agent during the offseason after spending four uninspiring seasons with the San Diego Chargers. The 28-year-old defensive back posted a minus-11.1 and minus-16.4 coverage grade in 2013 and 2014, respectively, according to Jeff Deeney of Pro Football Focus—numbers that ranked Wright in the bottom 10 of eligible cornerbacks during that span:

"

Shareece Wright ranked in the bottom 10 among CBs in both years as a starter in SD. -16.4 coverage grade in 2014, -11.1 in 2013. #49ers

— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) March 13, 2015"

San Francisco had plenty of turnover in the secondary during the offseason, which included free-agent departures of corners Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox. True, the 49ers are deep on their roster with young, developing talent. But Wright's veteran presence might not live up to any expectation.

Wright may not win a starting job in 2015 given this depth. But the 49ers were tested at this position last year because of a variety of injuries, including those No. 1 corner Tramaine Brock suffered.

If Wright is asked to step in and plug the gap, it is hard to assume at this point that he'll be able to handle the load.

Dishonorable Mentions: Safety Craig Dahl, tight end Vance McDonald and offensive lineman Erik Pears

Most Improved Player: Cornerback Dontae Johnson

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerback Dontae Johnson showed plenty of positives during his rookie season.

Cornerback Dontae Johnson

Moving from the negatives to the positives, but remaining at the cornerback position, the most improved accolade goes to second-year cornerback Dontae Johnson.

Johnson ended up playing in all 16 regular-season games for the 49ers last year, starting three of them. During that span, Johnson recorded 26 tackles, six passes defended and one interception that was returned for a touchdown.

He finished the year with a minus-1.7 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus (h/t Paul Klein), but the numbers don't exactly reveal what should be expected in Johnson's second year at the pro level:

"

Dontae Johnson PFF grades. These don't tell the whole story but I'm excited to see more of him this year pic.twitter.com/fC38APF6Zy

— Paul Klein (@paulklein133) March 14, 2015"

The aforementioned changes at the cornerback position have opened up an opportunity for Johnson to become even better in 2015. 

And it's an opportunity that should be somewhat easier for Johnson to reach given San Francisco didn't add a cornerback via the recent NFL draft.

This speaks to the 49ers' belief in Johnson emerging as a solid player, according to Eric Branch of SFGate.com.

If the team is right, Johnson will have the capability to showcase his talents on the field and emerge as a legitimate, and vastly improved, threat within San Francisco's secondary.

Honorable Mentions: Offensive lineman Marcus Martin, outside linebacker Corey Lemonier, wide receiver Bruce Ellington, wide receiver Quinton Patton and defensive lineman Quinton Dial

Defensive Rookie of the Year: OLB Eli Harold

Outside Linebacker Eli Harold

Last season, the 49ers' Defensive Rookie of the Year award would have fallen upon now-retired linebacker Chris Borland in the minds of most fans, with an honorable mention going to fellow LB Aaron Lynch.

In 2015, the award will go to pass-rushing outside linebacker Eli Harold.

Harold was picked up in Round 3 of the draft after posting 17.5 sacks and 36.5 tackles for a loss over three seasons at Virginia.

A defense can never have too many pass-rushers, and Harold gives the 49ers additional options when it comes to creating pressure. Competition with teammates such as Lynch and linebacker Aldon Smith should only spur on Harold's efforts during his rookie season. 

And his offseason efforts are enough to suggest that Harold could emerge as a standout player during his rookie year. The 49ers provided minicamp highlights on Harold:

"

Rookie @EliHarold_ takes on the blocking sled at #49ers minicamp. pic.twitter.com/WP34PtiplJ

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) June 11, 2015"

Harold is one player who caught the attention of Bleacher Report's Grant Cohn during some of the 49ers' offseason workouts. Cohn praised the rookie by writing:

"

I saw him flat-out beat All-Pro left tackle Joe Staley around the edge—just exploded past him and “sacked” the quarterback, meaning he tagged the ball boy standing in the pocket. I haven’t seen a rookie pass-rusher beat Staley during an offseason practice since Aldon Smith in 2011.

A few minutes later, Harold participated in a two-on-two pass-rush drill. This time he looped to the inside and sacked the quarterback. Easy.

"

The next challenge will be Harold turning this ability into an on-the-field regularity.

Honorable Mentions: Safety Jaquiski Tartt and defensive end Arik Armstead

Offensive Rookie of the Year: OT Trenton Brown

Offensive Tackle Trenton Brown

This award might end up going to an impact player, but the true effort could be recognized in rookie offensive tackle Trenton Brown.

Brown was a 49ers Round 7 pick in the 2015 draft, which would lead many to believe he would be little more than a depth option for the team if Brown made the roster at all. But the 6'9", 376-pound lineman has done more than just add depth thus far.

B/R's Grant Cohn also praised Brown's efforts during OTAs and cited the need for someone to fill the gap left by retired right tackle Anthony Davis.

And Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (h/t Cohn) noted that Brown "has made the most strides of any of the team’s rookies since reporting to the team’s practice facility."

Most importantly, Brown has also drawn head coach Jim Tomsula's praise, per Tyler Emerick the team's website.

“Trent Brown has got tremendous ability,” Tomsula said. “There’s a lot of development that needs to take place, but absolutely. I really like that guy, and I like the way he’s working."

The team also shared some of Tomsula's additional comments regarding Brown via Twitter:

"

Jim Tomsula on #49ers OL Trent Brown: "His potential and development is really exciting." http://t.co/tmSPAipyNU pic.twitter.com/vaQnz9ZHdZ

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) June 8, 2015"

San Francisco has questions along the right side of the O-line, especially with Davis' retirement. But if Brown can amicably fill in and provide worthwhile abilities, there should be little doubt that he receives some attention for this accolade.

Honorable Mentions: Wide receiver DeAndrew White, wide receiver DeAndre Smelter and running back Mike Davis

Team Rookie of the Year: TE Blake Bell

Tight End Blake Bell

Rookie tight end Blake Bell may not have a lot of experience at his pro position—he played only one season at TE over four years at Oklahoma—but his physical attributes are too good to overlook.

Bell is 6'6" and 263 pounds, and the former collegiate quarterback could do more than just emerge as an emergency pass-thrower on the 49ers roster.

Nicknamed the "Belldozer," Bell climbed the ranks within the draft rankings at tight end. NFL Media draft analyst Mike Mayock (h/t Joe Fann of 49ers.com) listed Bell as the third-best tight end available in the draft:

"

“I think he has a great upside.” - @OU_CoachStoops on his QB turned TE Blake Bell. #49ers http://t.co/sysRTDiFaG pic.twitter.com/TSOREw3WvN

— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) June 23, 2015"

The tight end position is a 49ers concern in 2015 and beyond. No. 1 TE Vernon Davis is entering a contract year. His backup, third-year pro Vance McDonald, has largely struggled in the receiving game over his pro career.

Bell could be a sleeper candidate to make the final 53-man roster given his potential and versatility. But he could also wind up being the complementary tight end piece San Francisco hasn't had since the team lost veteran tight end Delanie Walker to free agency in 2013.

If Bell lives up to this possibility, there should be little reason to suggest this award would be placed in his hands.

Honorable Mention: Outside linebacker Eli Harold, safety Jaquiski Tartt, defensive end Arik Armstead and offensive tackle Trenton Brown

Comeback Player: ILB NaVorro Bowman

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

Linebacker NaVorro Bowman looks to bounce back from the gruesome injury that held him out of 2014.

Inside Linebacker NaVorro Bowman

San Francisco's perennial All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman is poised to have a stellar bounce-back year after suffering the devastating NFC Championship Game injury two seasons ago that eliminated his 2014 efforts.

Bowman will have to shoulder and excel with this burden, especially after the team lost linebackers Chris Borland and Patrick Willis to retirement during the offseason.

Expectations are already high for the three-time All-Pro to do this. 

Chris Wesseling of NFL.com has already ranked Bowman as a top candidate for the league's Comeback Player of the Year award. And Bowman is already doing his best to assure that such an award will be granted to him.

NFL.com's Marc Sessler described Bowman's performance as "outstanding" (via the NFL's official Twitter feed):

"

NaVorro Bowman is back. And wreaking havoc at @49ers minicamp: http://t.co/simmWdZ5um pic.twitter.com/H0VwWWV1Fi

— NFL (@NFL) June 13, 2015"

Bowman was one of the team's standouts from the minicamp sessions, according to Taylor Price of 49ers.com:

"

Bowman didn't hit anybody, but he was in position to smother the running backs on nearly every run play. Bowman hasn't played in a game since January of 2014. Even so, the stud linebacker's instincts appear to be as sharp as ever. When the 49ers worked on goal-line run plays, Bowman was in the hole waiting for the ball-carrier.

Bowman's left knee brace was only utilized during team drills. The sixth-year pro ditched the brace for individual warmup drills. It's not known if Bowman will continue with the brace throughout training camp. But one thing is for sure, Bowman's three-day camp showed everyone that he's continuing to progress this offseason.

"

Bowman already has plenty of eyes on his return from injury and the fact that he'll be without Willis alongside him in 2015 and beyond. But early signs indicate that Bowman is no less effective at being the dominant force upon the field.

And those signs could easily lead to the conclusion that Bowman's gruesome injury is just a thing of memory.

Honorable Mentions: Tight end Vernon Davis, defensive lineman Darnell Dockett, running back Reggie Bush, cornerback Tramaine Brock and quarterback Colin Kaepernick

Breakout Player: RB Carlos Hyde

Running Back Carlos Hyde

2015 will be second-year running back Carlos Hyde's chance to shine in the 49ers' ground game.

Longtime featured back Frank Gore is gone now, and the door is open for Hyde to establish himself as one of the better NFL backs—a chance he never truly received last season.

Hyde had just 83 rushes out of the team's 470 attempts last year (17.7 percent), but he amassed a 4.0 yards-per-carry average and four touchdowns during that stretch.

His numbers should be even better in 2015.

Whether or not Hyde breaks out in his second season is a question asked in the above B/R video. But it's a good suggestion to think he will. Despite San Francisco's coaching-staff changes, it's difficult to imagine the offense switching to a pass-happy approach after ranking No. 4 in the league last year, with 2,176 rushing yards.

This team is still built to run the ball, and Hyde fits the mold.

B/R 49ers Featured Columnist Bryan Knowles gave a possibility on what could be expected out of Hyde in 2015:

"

[Hyde] could top 1,000 yards on only 200 carries, boosting his yards per carry attempt up to 5.0.  That would have placed him fifth in the NFL among running backs last season, behind only Justin Forsett, Lamar Miller, Jeremy Hill and Jamaal Charles. 

It would also be only the 18th time a San Francisco 49er has topped the 5.0 yards per carry mark, and the first since Frank Gore in 2006.

"

The numbers could be a reach, and Knowles points that out, given San Francisco may rotate other backs into the picture. Backups such as Reggie Bush, Kendall Hunter and perhaps Jarryd Hayne could all take carries away from Hyde.

But make no mistake: Hyde will emerge as a legitimate force when he's given the ball.

And those carries will only lead to more accolades down the road.

Honorable Mentions: Linebacker Eli Harold, defensive end Tank Carradine, wide receiver Jerome Simpson and linebacker Michael Wilhoite

Defensive MVP: OLB Aldon Smith

Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

Linebacker Aldon Smith has a chance to lead the 49ers defense in 2015.

Outside Linebacker Aldon Smith

Off-the-field incidents and a nine-game suspension limited linebacker Aldon Smith to just seven games in 2014. His numbers took a sharp decline as a result. The feared pass-rusher tabbed just 10 tackles and two sacks during his abbreviated campaign last season, and he was also held back because of the lingering injuries of now-retired defensive end Justin Smith.

But Aldon Smith has a shot to do more than just bounce back to his per-usual form.

The pass rush will be an essential part of the 49ers' efforts in 2015. Other pieces such as linebackers Aaron Lynch and Ahmad Brooks will complement this unit, but Smith will still be the most feared player within the 49ers' front seven.

And Smith appears ready to do more than just be a significant part of the defense. Smith described what held him back previously and what to expect moving forward, per Joe Fann of 49ers.com (h/t Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area):

"

I know that when I’m playing consistently and I’m on my game, I can’t be stopped.

I don’t think I played to my level, and I want to do everything it takes to play consistently at my level. I feel fast now. I’ve lost some weight, slimmed up, gotten stronger and it’s shown on the field.

"

Comcast SportsNet provided a "refocused Aldon Smith's" outlook:

"

ICYMI: Refocused Aldon Smith looking at 2015: 'I can't be stopped' *VIDEO* http://t.co/BRgkpApyht #NFL #49ers pic.twitter.com/2H6buOSJ0R

— Comcast SportsNet (@CSNAuthentic) June 14, 2015"

Providing Smith the opportunities to rush the passer will fall upon the shoulders of San Francisco's reinforced defensive line. In years prior, Justin Smith would lock up blockers for Aldon to make his mark. 

And he should have enough motivation given that he enters a contract season, per Over the Cap.

This year, the job will fall upon D-linemen such as Tank Carradine, Darnell Dockett, Quinton Dial, rookie Arik Armstead and a deep cast of other in-the-trench types.

While this award could also go to a player like linebacker Bowman, the 49ers' pass rush will have to be the preeminent feature on defense.

And leave it to Smith to ensure that happens.

Honorable Mentions: Linebacker NaVorro Bowman, linebacker Aaron Lynch, defensive lineman Darnell Dockett, safety Eric Reid and safety Antoine Bethea

Offensive MVP: QB Colin Kaepernick

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick's play in 2015 will determine much of the 49ers' offensive success.

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick

Last season, B/R's Joey Akeley wrote a piece describing how quarterback Colin Kaepernick was the "ultimate enigma":

"

ICYMI: Colin Kaepernick: The NFL's Ultimate Enigma http://t.co/4dNGTcK56f

— Joey Akeley (@Jakeley_BR) November 16, 2014"

Akeley's research described in detail what many pundits already know: Kaepernick is more than just an inconsistent player. He can be downright confounding.

Many of his stats are spectacular. His 60.5 completion percentage in 2014 was a step up from his 2013 effort (58.4), and his 3,369 total passing yards last season was a career-best mark.

But Kaepernick also posted a career high of 10 interceptions and had a quarterback rating of 86.4—the lowest since being named the team's starter in 2012.

Regardless, the expectations upon Kaepernick will be high in 2015. One could even make the argument that the offense will go only as far as Kaepernick allows.

Receiving such an award suggests that Kaepernick will have used his experience and offseason efforts to do more than improve his standing. And it's something that has its merits.

Kaepernick spent a portion of the offseason working with legendary quarterback Kurt Warner and quarterbacks coach Dennis Gile in an effort to improve his mental approach and touch, according to USA Today's Jim Corbett.

The 27-year-old signal-caller now has a "retooled throwing motion," which can be seen courtesy of Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News:

"

#49ers QB Colin Kaepernick shows off his refined throwing motion, alternating snaps with Blaine Gabbert http://t.co/7bwllLXKSu

— Cam Inman (@CamInman) April 29, 2015"

But this is only a part of the solution. The other is the fact that head coach Jim Tomsula (h/t Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee) wants Kaepernick to focus more on his incumbent strengths that made him noteworthy in the first place.

And that includes being a running threat.

Now, the challenge will be putting all the work and pieces together. If this can happen, Kaepernick has the chance to shed the enigma moniker and truly be the leader of the offense.

Honorable Mentions: Running back Carlos Hyde, wide receiver Torrey Smith, wide receiver Anquan Boldin and left tackle Joe Staley

Hopefully Not: Kicker Phil Dawson

Team MVP: DE Tank Carradine

Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

Defensive end Tank Carradine has the chance to solidify himself as the team's most important player in 2015.

Defensive End Tank Carradine

2015 should be the year in which the 49ers reap the rewards from drafting defensive end Tank Carradine in Round 2 of the 2013 NFL draft.

Carradine has seen little action since that date. A collegiate injury eliminated his rookie campaign and hindered his on-field developments last year. The 26-year-old pass-rushing prospect appeared in just nine games in 2014 but flashed some brilliance down the stretch with three sacks over his final three games.

But Carradine's 2015 role might be different than just being a pass-rushing force.

He may occupy an exponentially important role once held by former 49ers end Justin Smith—locking up numerous blockers and creating opportunities for San Francisco's cast of pass-rushers. Smith could have easily been viewed as the team's MVP in seasons prior given how critical pressure was in the 49ers' game plan.

And the defense figures to be even more crucial in 2015.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com describes this role in further detail:

"

Now, the 49ers need to get production from a player who showed unique pass-rush skills as a senior at Florida State with 13 sacks. But as much as the 49ers would like Carradine to pile up sack numbers, it might be more important that he selflessly creates opportunities for outside linebacker Aldon Smith.

Justin Smith played a huge role in Aldon Smith’s success as he routinely tied up blockers to allow the outside pass-rusher to come free on inside moves en route to the quarterback. Aldon Smith enters this season with 44 sacks in 50 career games.

"

Via Twitter, Maiocco questions whether Carradine can be as productive as Aldon Smith:

"

#49ers DE Tank Carradine will get increased opportunity, but can he do what Justin Smith did for Aldon Smith? http://t.co/g1pVOhQ0Xj

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) May 26, 2015"

In short, Maiocco suggests that Carradine will need to do more of the dirty work, while players like Aldon Smith get the glory of recording sacks. 

But it's a task that cannot be understated.

San Francisco's defense is expected to be a strength in 2015 despite its numerous losses. It's possible that this unit replicates or even exceeds it's 2014 No. 5 ranking in fewest yards allowed (5,143).

If this is the case, and he emerges as the defensive linchpin, there should be little reason not to call Carradine the 49ers' most valuable player.

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.

Peter Panacy is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers.

Follow him @PeterPanacy on Twitter.