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When head coach Kyle Shanahan took over the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, he set out a vision for what his ideal offense would look like, starting with the skill position players.
That vision was finally realized when Shanahan hit on receivers high in back-to-back years, taking
Deebo Samuel with the No. 36 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and
Brandon Aiyuk with the No. 25 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Both have gone on to become top receivers in the NFL, with Samuel enjoying an All-Pro 2021 season where the wideout caught 77 passes for 1,405 yards, totaling 1,770 yards of scrimmage on the year, while Aiyuk broke out in 2022, eclipsing 1,000 yards for the first time in his career.
The 49ers also have elite tight end
George Kittle, whose physical mindset and ability after the catch meshes well with his 49ers' counterparts, creating the YAC bros, standing for yards after the catch.
Well, San Francisco may have hit on a diamond in the rough with 2023 seventh-round pick
Ronnie Bell, who has consistently flashed throughout training camp and the offseason, and caught seven passes for 114 yards on Sunday against the Denver Broncos, easily leading the 49ers in both categories.
When asked about his ability after the catch, Bell chided on his performance last season, and has looked to improve that aspect of his game, which has become more of a reality with the 49ers and their offensive style.
"100-percent. And as you said, it is something that I've always prided myself on," Bell said. "And last year, I wasn't very pleased with the way that I ran with the ball in my hands. That was something that was a big point of emphasis on myself to improve in my game. So yeah, that's something I want to continue to improve on, especially around these guys, the way that they're toting the ball. I want to be able to do the same thing."
While Bell has been a clear standout of the preseason, he made sure to note the group of talented playmakers around him, which has helped boost his improvements over the offseason.
"Yeah, playmakers," Bell said. "Exactly that. It's everything that I've always wanted to be about and been about. Just to be a part of this group, with these guys, is a huge blessing."
Bell noted, "It's something my dad's always been about when I was younger and when I first started playing. He has always called the receivers 'the playmakers,' and that's what I've always wanted to be about. So, I definitely just wanted to do that."
Bell's opportunities shouldn't wane next weekend, as the 49ers will get one more chance for their younger players to stand out prior to the regular season. Bell is ready for that opportunity and will look to continue rising to the occasion.
"I'm just grateful they called my number and get a chance to get the ball in my hands and be able to make a play," he said. "Really, the biggest thing is just blessed to have that opportunity."
The 49ers have seen success in late-round drafting under head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch. Bell could very well be the next late-round steal for the team, should he continue performing well in this system.
The eagerly awaited Week 13 clash between the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles is on the horizon. Following a Thanksgiving roasting of the Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers returned to the field on Monday for a bonus practice, gearing up for the NFC Championship Game rematch.
Wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk addressed reporters after practice, downplaying the emotional significance of Sunday's showdown between NFC powerhouses. Both players, vocal about their disappointment after last season's devastating defeat, had previously suggested that the better team failed to come out on top.
Regarding the upcoming rematch, Samuel told reporters,
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is making waves this season, putting up impressive numbers with 43 receptions for 831 yards and four touchdowns. The fourth-year player earned a career-high 156 receiving yards on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including a remarkable 76-yard touchdown catch.
PURDY TO AIYUK. 76-YARD TOUCHDOWN.📺: #TBvsSF on FOX📱: Stream on #NFLPlus
While A.J. Brown and Deebo Samuel maintain a strong friendship, the Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver is injecting some friendly banter into the mix ahead of the highly anticipated Week 13 showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and the Eagles.
Brown has declared it "troll [Deebo Samuel] week," urging Eagles fans to engage with the star 49ers player ahead of this crucial matchup.
Eagle fans… it's troll @19problemz week. You have my permission. 🤣
This Sunday features one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. The San Francisco 49ers (8-3) will travel to face the Philadelphia Eagles (10-1) in a rematch of last season's NFC Championship Game. The Eagles are riding a five-game winning streak, while the 49ers have won three straight since stumbling through October.
Fans have had the Week 13 matchup circled on their calendars since the schedule was released in May.
"We know everybody's going to be riled up for this game, and we just got to stay level-headed and just go out there and play Niner football," wide receiver Deebo Samuel told Kay Adams on Tuesday morning.
Any loss leaves a bitter taste, but a playoff loss is particularly devastating. Samuel, who has been to the NFC Championship
