Golden Nuggets: Players that could play a significant role in another Super Bowl run

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Wednesday, May 13th, 2020 edition of the Golden Nuggets, a daily compilation of San Francisco 49ers links from the Internet

This offseason has been like nothing the NFL has gone through before. Offseason programs, training camps, and the regular season are all up in the air with the country fighting the pandemic. When the NFL season does start, the Niners will be in a better position than most teams will be. Most of the roster from last season are back and the coaching staff is still intact. But making the Super Bowl in back to back seasons is very difficult and they will need more players to step up to make another run.

Jerick McKinnon is looking to finally make it on the field after signing as a free agent two years ago. His pass catching ability could make a significant difference in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, but injuries have kept him from showing his abilities in a Niners’ jersey. The team has lacked that consistent passing threat from their running backs. That threat would add another element to an offense that has one of the best rushing attacks in the league. Jerick is determined to make it on the field as a Niner as he reworked his contract so he could stay with the team.

The addition of Emmanuel Sanders last season helped the Niners offense tremendously. But his addition may have had a bigger impact on the other receivers in the locker room and now that he is gone, one of those guys could take another big step in his development. Kendrick Bourne had a very good season. He made key catches throughout the season as most of his catches resulted in either first downs or touchdowns. But he has a huge opportunity for more receptions with Sanders gone. He only had 30 receptions last season and should see a significant bump with him and Deebo Samuel as the only locks to make the regular season roster. The receivers on the team are young so the team will need Deebo and Kendrick to continue to make huge steps in their development to help carry the offense.

49ers links

The virus’ impact on games this season (Inman)

Laken Tomlinson speaks on the retirement of Joe Staley and arrival of Trent Williams (49ers staff)

Who makes a leap this season (Madson)

The many reasons the Niners are one of the best teams in the league (Cohn)

Brandon Aiyuk (Biderman)

Someone needs to take up the leadership roles left by Joe Staley and DeForest Buckner (Biderman)

How the team is doing during these weird times (Martin)

Staley counts as $2 million on the team’s cap (Maiocco)

Could the Niners play out of state this season? (Florio)

Players that need to perform (Madson)

NFL links

Prince Amukamara signs with Raiders (Gordon)

Jets looking at Logan Ryan (Bergman)

NFL raises debt limits for 2020 (Wickersham)

Offseason winners and losers (Barnwell)

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