Trent Williams got a good look at San Francisco 49ers running back Jerick McKinnon this offseason. The two were part of a small group of players working out in Houston with Washington running back Adrian Peterson.
Before that, Williams became McKinnon's teammate when the offensive tackle was traded to the 49ers in April. From what Williams has seen, he expects the running back to surprise a lot of people this season.
"I'm looking forward to seeing Jet," Williams told reporters on Thursday via a video conference call. "After two years, the way he's looked in the offseason, I just can't fathom him not being a breakout player."
McKinnon signed with the 49ers in 2018, but an ACL injury before the start of that regular season, and an ensuing setback, has sidelined him since. The running back has yet to take a regular-season snap with San Francisco.
McKinnon has looked good in various offseason workout videos posted to social media and could be a boost for a running back group that lost Matt Breida.
Raheem Mostert, who figures to be the 49ers' featured back this season, expressed in May that he, too, believes McKinnon is set to surprise skeptics. Mostert believes McKinnon's time on the sidelines had at least one benefit. It has provided an opportunity to really soak in head coach Kyle Shanahan's playbook.
"He's had more time understanding [the playbook] than I have, route-running-wise," Mostert shared. "I'm trying to pick his brain, and he's trying to pick my brain with the run scheme. We're doing a great job right now, and I can't wait for him to show what everyone's been doubting him on and missing out. I'm excited, man. It's going to be a surprise for everyone."
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