San Francisco 49ers: 5 players who must improve

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 05: A detailed view of a San Francisco 49ers helmet is seen resting on the field during an NFL game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers on November 5, 2017 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3 of 5

3. Joshua Garnett

Back in 2016 the 49ers had two first-round draft picks, so far only one of them has panned out. DeForest Buckner was taken with the seventh overall pick and has been a bright spot for the team since. While he could improve in his own right, fellow first-rounder Joshua Garnett needs to turn himself around to avoid earning the lifelong nickname of “bust”.

In his rookie year Garnett started 11 games, but was not given a chance to play in 2017. A knee injury earned him a spot on the injured reserve, but it was more of a performance based decision according to some. Shanahan instructed Garnett to improve his physical fitness in order to earn a place back on the team. Reports indicate that has happened, with team reporters indicating that he has dropped nearly 25 pounds.

Back in shape and ready to go, Garnett needs to justify the investment the team made in him. The offensive line was a major area of weakness in 2017 and that trend cannot continue. With Jimmy Garoppolo under center now there is more of a need for the offensive line to be competent. The 49ers have some high potential pieces in the trenches, but they still have a lot to prove.

Garnett will be crucial in both facets of the offense, keeping Garoppolo off the turf and creating holes for Jerick McKinnon to explode through. If he is unable to take a step forward and improve his game, the 49er\s’ offense could struggle some. It isn’t a make-or-break type situation, but if Garnett has a solid season, things will be much easier for the Red and Gold.