Players to watch

Players With Breakout Potential

LB Fred Warner

He's in his second year as the defense's play caller, and he should benefit from a fiercer defensive line to play behind.

WR Deebo Samuel

His physical frame is reminiscent of Anquan Boldin and he could have a highly productive rookie year if he fills the void at flanker.

DT Arik Armstead

His long arms and power fit nicely into the revised defensive scheme. The 2015 top pick is playing out his fifth-year option ahead of free agency.

SS Marcell Harris

His hard-hitting ability is increasingly tough to ignore and could force him onto the field.

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Other Key Players

RB Tevin Coleman

He's the 49ers' most experienced back and played in Shanahan's system the first two of his four seasons with the Falcons. Of Coleman's 32 career touchdowns, 13 came at least 10 yards from the goal line.

TE George Kittle

What encore does he have in store for Year 3 after his 1,377 yards in 2018 were the most ever in a season by a tight end? His 870 yards after the catch were the most by any receiver since 2010.

DT DeForest Buckner

After racking up a career-high 12 sacks and making his first Pro Bowl, Buckner could be in for an even bigger year thanks to the upgraded edge-rushing help of Dee Ford and Nick Bosa, who could funnel QBs into Buckner's arms.

BY CAM INMAN

On The Hot Seat

DT Solomon Thomas

All signs point to a bounce-back year, with a stronger supporting cast, after last year's heartbreak from his sister's suicide. He looks stronger, fresher and more confident. New position coach Kris Kocurek must maximize his potential.

CB Ahkello Witherspoon

A sophomore slump saw him get burned and benched. But he regained his confidence in the offseason with a training camp competition with Jason Verrett.

P Mitch Wishnowsky

Spending a fourth-round pick on the draft's first punter could prove a bargain if he immediately excels. Or not.

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Positions Of Concern

1. Cornerback

Richard Sherman vows that he's healthier than a year ago as he came off Achilles surgery, but even if he proves that, can the other starting cornerback (Ahkello Witherspoon? Jason Verrett?) and nickel back (K'Waun Williams? D.J. Reed?) make plays to scare quarterbacks?

2. Interior line Center Weston Richburg's offseason knee and quadriceps surgery further illuminated the 49ers' issues on the offensive line's interior. Veteran Ben Garland is on call to fill in for Richburg and/or right guard Mike Person.

3. Quarterback

Look, this should be an obvious No. 1 concern amid Garoppolo's comeback. Nick Mullens (3-5) and C.J. Beathard (1-9) have starting experience, but the 49ers need stability after using three QBs in each of Shanahan's two years.