We have finally arrived! The San Francisco 49ers players have reported to training camp, and tomorrow will have their first practice. This is the best time of the year for football fans. And it is the best time of the year to make your football predictions. So with that in mind, here are my somewhat bold 49ers predictions.
1. Trey Sermon will lead the team in rushing yards.
The rookie running back may not be as explosive as Raheem Mostert, but he has a better chance of staying healthy. I believe the offensive staff will limit Mostert's carries, and Sermon fits the 49ers scheme very well. He has great vision, is a strong runner, and is the kind of back who makes a quick and decisive move once he sees an opening. In this scheme, he will see plenty of open lanes. And he will make defenses pay.
2. Jalen Hurd will be the number three receiver.
49ers fans have been waiting for Jalen Hurd to prove head coach Kyle Shanahan right. He has the tools to be very good, but he has been injured and has missed the last two seasons. This year he will finally avoid the injury bug and give the team the big, red zone threat they have been craving. 49ers fans...celebrate.
3. Brandon Aiyuk will have more than 1,200 receiving yards.
This is probably the least bold of my predictions. Aiyuk had a promising rookie season, despite dealing with injuries...and Nick Mullens as his quarterback. Even with these obstacles, he flashed in multiple games. The second year receiver is fast, great after the catch, and is smooth in and out of his breaks. With a healthy Jimmy Garoppolo, a better offensive line, and more weapons around him, Aiyuk will have a breakout season.
4. Trey Lance will make his first start...in Week 18.
He was the number three overall selection. The 49ers traded a truckload of picks to get him. Trey Lance is the future. But Garoppolo is the starting quarterback. Shanahan even reiterated as much today. I believe the 49ers will win with Garoppolo, and by the last week of the season, will be in a position to neither gain nor lose anything. In a position like that, Lance will get his first start. He will win the start. And fans will be calling for him to start in the postseason. Don't expect Shanahan to oblige.
5. The 49ers will win Super Bowl LVI.
Former 49ers coach Steve Mariucci said this week, on NFL Network, that the 49ers might have the best roster in the NFL. He is not the only one who has said that. The offense should be much better than it has been in the last couple of seasons. And the defense has a chance to be very, very good. With a strong, deep roster, and a healthier team (eyes to Heaven, hands folded), the 49ers will win their sixth Lombardi next February.
These are my somewhat bold predictions. Let the mocking begin. Go Niners!