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The San Francisco 49ers have some marquee players on their roster. These two hidden gems, however, could make a big difference in the 2022 NLF season.
Every year, a breakthrough player comes through, the 49ers might see more than one this coming season.
That breakout player was Deebo Samuel in the previous season. Deebo did nothing less than magic for the 49ers. He was an obvious All-Pro choice because of his performance. It would be unrealistic to anticipate that anybody else on the same squad can break out in a similarly explosive fashion, but there are a couple of players who can still take a big leap.
With a top-seven offense and top-three defense in terms of yards and yards allowed per game, the 49ers had several contributors on both sides of the ball. And as the 2022 NFL season swiftly approaches, it'll be interesting to see which ones might surprise us and could be due to make some headlines.
There are the two hidden gems on the San Francisco 49ers roster most likely to have a breakthrough year in 2022.
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49ers Hidden Gems on 2022 Roster
Emmanuel Moseley – Cornerback
Emmanuel Moseley is one of the most underappreciated cornerbacks in the league. He is a solid starter for practically all of the league's defenses. Since joining the team in 2019, he has shown that he is capable of holding his own and that he is always improving. Now, for sure Moseley is poised for a breakthrough in 2022. He played and started 11 games last year and 42 total tackles.
Emmanuel Moseley
appreciation post 🔒 pic.twitter.com/H8QMMph7ap— ninerspride (@ninerspride_) February 21, 2022
In just a few years, the former undrafted free agent out of the University of Tennessee went from a depth-chart filler to a dependable starter, even earning a start in Super Bowl LIV against the Kansas City Chiefs.
And although some may have questioned Moseley's frail 5-foot-11 and 190-pound build, his performances on the field have undoubtedly dispelled any worries he may have had before turning pro.
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Looking ahead, with Charvarius Ward on board, Moseley ought to see more targets fall his way. Even if Ward is not a top corner, he does have the advantage over Moseley. Opponents will likely target Ward, which means Moseley will have more space and probably stick out more. That means he could potentially produce more highlight plays. Additionally, the 49ers will likely employ man coverage more frequently this season, which is something Moseley excelled at in 2020. If he remains healthy, Moseley should have a fantastic year in 2022.
Jauan Jennings – Wide Receiver
Jauan Jennings was without a doubt the guy who received the most positive reviews during the 49ers' offseason team meetings. Even Ward lavished praise on him, and head coach Kyle Shanahan was at a loss for words as well. Recall that Jennings emerged as a reliable weapon for the squad in the middle to end of the 2021 season. His presence and production during critical moments was important for the team, and he did not shy away from the big moments. Jennings simply has no fear, which makes him an ideal wideout for the 49ers.
Last year, he had a total of 282 yards on 24 receptions and 5 touchdowns. His longest reception was 34 yards.
In honor of Jauan Jennings’ 25th birthday, here’s a compilation of his best plays from last season. #49ers pic.twitter.com/SuRVABlwKs
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) July 10, 2022
This coming season, Jennings will have the opportunity to carry the momentum from last year. One caveat, though, is that he won't fully realize his influence and effectiveness until he plays for an entire season. 49ers fans should expect him to be Trey Lance's go-to receiver this coming season. Look out for Jennings in the big moments!
The outlook for the 49ers this coming season is interesting. Keep in mind that San Francisco is a high-risk, high-reward football team. Their winning condition in the NFC completely revolves around whether quarterback Trey Lance can perform to his potential. Jennings is one guy who can help make that happen, along with the expectation that Shanahan can unleash a unique offense to blow everyone's minds.
This club falls a step below the Rams due to quarterback inconsistency and a few minor defensive shortcomings with the 49ers' secondary. Based on Lance's performance in training camp and the preseason, there may also be a significant change in NFL forecasts.
