San Francisco 49ers: Top 5 breakout player candidates

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers signals to his team during their NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017, in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

1. Jimmy Garoppolo, QB

The 2017 season was really just everyone’s introduction to Jimmy Garoppolo.

In six games and five starts, Garoppolo first and foremost was an unblemished 5-0. The 49ers were rolling when he entered the starting lineup, and he was efficient with the football.

He completed 67.4 percent of his passes for 1,560 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions.

The numbers weren’t out-of-this-world but Garoppolo had such a profound impact on the team as a whole, it’s hard not to think he will break out this season.

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In addition to being the top breakout player for the 49ers, Garoppolo should be considered the unanimous top breakout candidate in the entire NFL.

The expectations are incredibly high for the former Patriots backup and Tom Brady understudy. He has a lot of work to do.

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