San Francisco 49ers: Top 5 breakout player candidates

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring on an eight-yard touchdown catch against the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017, in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

2. George Kittle, TE

Like Trent Taylor, George Kittle was a relatively unheralded fifth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

The former Iowa Hawkeyes star blew up at the 2017 Scouting Combine, showing off his unreal athletic ability and improving his draft stock more than almost anyone else at his loaded position in last year’s draft.

Kittle’s NFL debut season was excellent. He caught 43 passes for 515 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but he has the ability to drastically improve those numbers in year two.

Like Taylor, Kittle (and everyone in the San Francisco offense, for that matter) should benefit greatly from the presence of Garoppolo at quarterback.

This is a player who can stretch the field, make plays in the red zone, and be the ideal outlet on third downs to help move the chains.

Kittle could be in line to become one of the top tight ends in the game production-wise this season.

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