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5 San Francisco 49ers Facing Make-or-Break Seasons in 2015

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Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

5 San Francisco 49ers Facing Make-or-Break Seasons in 2015

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick throws during early pre game warmups.
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Several of the San Francisco 49ers' veterans are poised for a breakout season, while others will be lucky to make the roster. Here are five players who will face a make-or-break season in 2015.

5. Craig Dahl, S

San Francisco 49ers strong safety Craig Dahl
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

5. Craig Dahl, S

San Francisco 49ers strong safety Craig Dahl
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Craig Dahl days are most likely numbered in San Francisco. Since signing over from the St. Louis Rams in 2013, Dahl has provided the young starting free safety Eric Reid with veteran leadership but, he never was a serious contributor himself. Since Reid is entering his third-year and rookie safety Jaquiski Tartt moving up in the depth chart, the veteran Dahl could be out of a job come September.

4. Quinton Patton, WR

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

4. Quinton Patton, WR

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Quinton Patton is entering a critical stage in his development this offseason. The third-year receiver spent the better part of his short career on IR, seeing little of the field. When Patton finally saw some action late last season, the shifty receiver demonstrated an ability to make plays on crucial downs. Patton will need to show that he can stay healthy and productive if he hopes for a new contract by 2016.

3. Ahmad Brooks, OLB

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks catches a pass during training camp.
Ed Szczepanski-US PRESSWIRE

3. Ahmad Brooks, OLB

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks catches a pass during training camp.
Ed Szczepanski-US PRESSWIRE

Ahmad Brooks is quickly becoming the black sheep of the 49ers defense. In 2014, the former All-American lashed out at coach Jim Tomsula over playing time and took himself out of the game. Despite being a solid player, the 31-year-old linebacker's bad demeanor and constant slip-ups may have already worn thin with San Francisco's coaching staff. Brooks will need stow the attitude this season if he ever hopes to climb out of the doghouse.

2. Vernon Davis, TE

San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2. Vernon Davis, TE

San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Vernon Davis had a career low 26 receptions for 245 yards and two touchdowns in 2014. After experiencing one of his worse seasons in his nine years playing in the NFL, the 31-year-old tight end must find a way to reconnect with quarterback Colin Kaepernick and return to his pre-2014 self.

1. Colin Kaepernick, QB

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick celebrates after he rushed for a 90 yard touchdown
Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

1. Colin Kaepernick, QB

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick celebrates after he rushed for a 90 yard touchdown
Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

When head coach Jim Harbaugh changed the offensive identity and converted QB Colin Kaepernick into pocket passer in 2014, the season did not go well for the young QB. Kap completed a career low 60.5 percent of his passes for a total of 3,369 yards and 19 touchdowns. Kaepernick will need to bounce back and reestablish himself as the 49ers' franchise quarterback if San Francisco is ever going to regain its dominance atop the NFC West.

James Forsythe is a 49ers Beat Writer at www.RantSports.com. You can Follow him on Twitter @9erJim or add him to your network on Google.

James Forsythe is a writer for RantSports.
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