The San Francisco 49ers are one of the NFL's more intriguing teams entering 2019.
No, they are not a playoff contender, but they are an improving young ballclub that could be in the process of starting something special in the Bay.
The 49ers won just four games in 2018 and have not made the playoffs since the 2013-14 campaign, but with some impressive young talent on both sides of the ball, San Francisco could be a forced to be reckoned with in a couple of years.
Of course, the Niners have a long way to go, and the biggest key for them this coming season will merely be showing some improvement in all areas.
Here are three players in particular who need to take that next step for the 49ers:
3. D.J. Jones, Defensive Tackle
D.J. Jones certainly isn't a household name. He was a sixth-round pick in 2017, and he is coming off of a 2018 campaign in which he totaled just 17 tackles in 10 games.
However, with the 49ers electing not to bring back veteran defensive tackle Earl Mitchell, Jones will step in as a starter along San Francisco's defensive line, and with plenty of talent surrounding him, he could be in for a surprising year.
Nick Bosa, DeForest Buckner and Dee Ford represent the other three starting defensive linemen for the Niners, so, obviously, there is a whole lot of potential along that defensive front.
The fact that all three of those guys can draw double teams should free Jones up and allow him to put some pressure on the quarterback and blow up some plays in the backfield.
2. Dante Pettis, Wide Receiver
The 49ers have a whole lot of talent in their receiving corps, but most of it is unproven.
Just one year into his NFL career, Pettis can already be seen as a veteran in the Niners' passing game, as rookies Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd will also likely have prominent roles.
A second-round pick out of Washington, Pettis had a solid rookie campaign, catching 27 passes for 467 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games. But, seeing as how Pettis will be competing for the No. 1 receiver role going into 2019, he will obviously have to be better this year.
With good size, decent speed and great hands, Pettis could very well be a breakout player in San Francisco's offense this coming season so long as he can stay healthy.
1. Jimmy Garoppolo, Quarterback
The 49ers acquired Jimmy Garoppolo back in October 2017, but they have yet to get a full picture of what he can really do. He started five games for the team during that 2017 campaign, and this past season, he made just three starts before tearing his ACL.
So, all we can really go off of is Garoppolo's potential and the short bursts in which we have seen him, and when he has actually been on the field, he has looked pretty impressive.
Still, we really don't know for sure what type of NFL quarterback Garoppolo will become, but now, he seems ready to take the reins under center and—hopefully—complete his first season as a full-time starter.
Let's face it: the Niners' future hinges on Garoppolo. He could make or break this team for the next few years, so if he comes out and plays like most are expecting, San Francisco will be in great shape moving forward.
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