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5 Young Players Set To Break Out For the San Francisco 49ers in 2015

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By @sdmeyers1

5 Young Players Set To Break Out For the San Francisco 49ers in 2015

Aaron Lynch Dontae Johnson
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Although the San Francisco 49ers finished at a disappointing 8-8 this season, several young players emerged as bright spots. Many of those youngsters will carry their momentum into more prominent roles next season. Here are five players who could enjoy breakout campaigns for the 49ers in 2015.

5. Quinton Dial

Quinton Dial
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5. Quinton Dial

Quinton Dial
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Dial played in all but two contests in 2014, in large part because of injuries to nose tackles Glenn Dorsey and Ian Williams. Dial has the versatility to play either tackle or end, and he could be in line for a starting gig if some of the veterans move on from San Francisco. His massive frame (6-foot-5, 318 pounds) could allow him to be a disruptive force in 2015.

4. Bruce Ellington

Bruce Ellington 2
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4. Bruce Ellington

Bruce Ellington 2
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The 2014 fourth-round pick made some key contributions down the stretch, flashing glimpses of his ability to impact the game in multiple facets. In Week 16, he hauled in a receiving touchdown, added another on the ground and also served as the 49ers' primary punt returner. With the futures of Michael Crabtree and Brandon Lloyd in doubt, Ellington could see the field more often next season.

3. Tank Carradine

Tank Carradine 2
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3. Tank Carradine

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After "redshirting" his rookie season, Tank barely saw the field in 2014, but when he did, he made an impact. Although he still faces questions about his ability to play every down, there's no doubt that he can get to the quarterback. He played limited snaps in his nine games, but recorded three sacks and 17 tackles. With Ray McDonald gone and Justin Smith expected to retire, Carradine should be in line for a significant increase in his snaps.

2. Carlos Hyde

Carlos Hyde Phily
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2. Carlos Hyde

Carlos Hyde Phily
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Many expected Hyde to be the best running back of the 2014 draft class, but he failed to make consistent contributions. At times he ran with power and looked to be a future star. In other games, though, he was a victim of limited touches or poor blocking. With prolific but aging running back Frank Gore expected to hit free agency, Hyde could be the featured back next season. If so, he could more than triple his rushing output in 2015.

1. Aaron Lynch

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1. Aaron Lynch

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Lynch was arguably the 49ers' breakout star in 2014, but his performance may be just the tip of the iceberg. Drafted in the fifth round due to personal issues, Lynch worked his way into the lineup from Week 1 and never looked back. He supplanted All-Pro Ahmad Brooks and tied for the team-lead with six sacks. With Brooks expected to depart, Lynch could easily reach double-digit sacks and will certainly increase his tackles total.

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