Every NFL team’s breakout star for this season
By Nick Villano
Breakout NFL candidates for 2023: San Francisco 49ers – Drake Jackson
There is just a lot going on with the San Francisco 49ers this season. They are one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl, but they also don’t know who their quarterback is. The reason bettors can be so confident in the 49ers is because of that awesome defense. There is something about the team that just breeds defensive stars. This season, we expect another star to come from that side of the ball.
Defensive end Drake Jackson wasn’t great last season. He had a major opportunity with Nick Bosa’s injury that ended his season, but Jackson didn’t step up. He clearly understood what happened because he has been getting the praise of Kyle Shanahan this offseason.
When players put in the work, the coaching staff will find a reason to play them. Jackson was the reason the 49ers avoided veteran pass rushers in free agency and trade. Jackson is expected to fill the void alongside Bosa. With double teams coming to one side of the line, Jackson has an opportunity to make moves toward the quarterback.
His work this offseason will pay off. Finishing last season with three sacks is well below expectations. This year, he could triple that output and nobody would blink an eye.