This 49ers offensive player will make the year two leap in 2023

The 49ers have seen several players make major improvements in their second season under Kyle Shanahan.

George Kittle and Fred Warner made the year two leap in 2018 and 2019. Last season saw guard Aaron Banks step into the starting lineup and Talanoa Hufanga be named First Team All-Pro. Coming off a season that saw them lead the league in points allowed, the 49ers defense is undergoing a transition in 2023.

We’ve already looked at who we think will make the year two leap on defense in 2023. Let’s jump over to the other side of the ball.

The 49ers 2023 offense has a few players with the potential to make the year two leap. Included among those are wide receiver Danny Gray and offensive lineman Spencer Burford.

While Gray and Burford would be strong choices, the offensive player who will make the year two leap for San Francisco in 2023 is Jordan Mason.

Mason proved himself to be a dependable back during his rookie season, working his way into the closer role. The undrafted free agent averaged six yards per carry and was dependable late in games.

When training camp kicks off Mason will find himself in a battle with Elijah Mitchell and Ty Davis-Price to be the top back behind Christian McCaffrey.

Mitchell has been an effective back when healthy. Therein lies the problem as Mitchell has played just 16 of a possible 34 regular season games in his first two years with the 49ers.

Already a proven runner, Mason will need to show improvement in the passing game if he is going to move ahead of Mitchell on the depth chart. His performance during the offseason program was a good start.

During OTAs and minicamp, Mason held on to every pass which came his way while Elijah Mitchell and Ty Davis-Price each dropped at least one. If he keeps this up during training camp, Mason will have a good chance to supplant Mitchell in the 49ers running back rotation.