NFL.com columnists were asked to identify the players who they envision having breakout seasons in 2020. Jim Trotter selected San Francisco 49ers running back Jerick McKinnon, who is attempting to return after missing two full seasons due to an ACL injury.
McKinnon is having a fantastic training camp. He has really stood out and is displaying flashes of the player head coach Kyle Shanahan touted after San Francisco made him their marquee free-agent signing in 2018.
The 49ers restructured McKinnon's contract this offseason, providing some salary-cap relief and giving the running back another opportunity to prove himself. Trotter can see McKinnon having a big year within Shanahan's offense.
"Blessed with quickness, speed and a receiver's hands, McKinnon was viewed as a game-changing third-down back who could also take snaps on first and second down," explained Trotter. "Based on how he has looked in camp this month, there is no reason to think he won't fulfill those expectations. His skill set combined with the scheming and game-planning of Shanahan and his assistants virtually ensures that a healthy McKinnon will be a force."
While he did suffer a significant injury, Trotter notes that the 28-year-old McKinnon has low wear and tear on his tires. He never had more than 159 carries in a season and developed into a versatile pass-catcher out of the backfield, which attracted Shanahan.
Added Trotter: "San Francisco has a talented young linebacker corps that can run with most backs, but no one has been able to keep pace with McKinnon during one-on-one drills in practice."
Trotter is likely referring to the report by Matt Barrows of The Athletic, which explained how McKinnon has proven to be a handful for 49ers linebackers on the practice field.
"None of the team's linebackers can keep up with running back Jerick McKinnon in this drill," wrote Barrows. "He first shook Fred Warner, then did the same to Dre Greenlaw. He juked Azeez Al-Shaair so badly that the linebacker fell down, allowing McKinnon an especially easy catch-and-run."
