The Niners have a lot of young players stepping into bigger roles in 2025.
The San Francisco 49ers are set to rely on a lot of younger players this season after releasing several veterans and letting others walk in free agency earlier in the offseason.
It was a crucial draft for the 49ers, who selected an NFL-high 11 players, with their first five picks all coming on the defensive side of the ball.
In addition, there are several second and third-year players who should step into bigger roles for the team in 2025. So, who are the top breakout candidates for the 49ers this season?
In a recent article listing a breakout candidate for all 32 teams, FOX Sports named second-year cornerback Renardo Green as the top choice for the 49ers.
“In a Niners season that was mostly a bummer, Green was one of their few bright spots. The second-round pick graded out in the top 25% of all corners as a rookie, according to Pro Football Focus. Granted, there’s a difference between being a pleasant surprise as a rookie and being asked to fill the shoes of a Pro Bowler like Charvarius Ward. He’ll have every opportunity to be the next young star on Robert Saleh’s defense.”
Green is an ideal candidate, as he stepped into a starting role midway through the season last year, replacing Isaac Yiadom on the outside. In seven games, he had 61 tackles, 13 pass breakups, an interception, and a forced fumble according to Pro Football Reference, while being a key cog on the boundary opposite Charvarius Ward.
Known for his press-coverage skills coming out of Florida State, Green was seen as a great fit in San Francisco’s physical defense, and now is slated to be a full-time starter in 2025 opposite Deommodore Lenoir, with third-round rookie Upton Stout in line for the slot role.
He’s one of a few second or third-year players locked into a starting role, so his being the top breakout candidate makes sense.
Other options include 2024 fourth-round wideout Jacob Cowing, who has earned glowing reviews from teammates and the coaching staff this offseason. While a full-time starting role may not be present, Cowing could be an early contributor with how the team’s wide receivers room currently looks.
Brandon Aiyuk isn’t expected to be ready for the start of the season. In addition, DeMarcus Robinson is expected to be suspended to start the year. So, that could move Jauan Jennings from the slot to the outside, leaving an opening for Cowing to earn a Week 1 role alongside 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall.
Cowing has great athleticism and has clearly made his mark this offseason. He and 2025 fifth-round Jordan Watkins could be the top reserves to start the year, with the chance for more, given how the room currently looks.
Third-year linebacker Dee Winters is also another logical choice, as he earned praise from the coaching staff recently as well.
Winters has flashed in his first two years, but hasn’t fully taken that next step to be a reliable contributor on defense. Now, he’s battling for the No. 2 linebacker spot with 2025 third-round pick Nick Martin.
Even if he doesn’t earn the LB2 role, Winters should still be a frequent sight on defense as the sub linebacker and has a chance to have his best season yet with the 49ers.
There are quite a few younger players set to step up for San Francisco this offseason, bringing out a few breakout candidates. If the 49ers are to elevate back into playoff form this season, some of those players will have to take the next step with the additional responsibility.