How ESPN projects 49ers players’ statistical performance in 2024 originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
The 49ers, collectively, are expected to dominate the 2024 NFL season.
But how will San Francisco’s many stars perform individually?
ESPN’s Mike Clay recently released statistical projections for all 32 NFL teams and their players, and here’s what some notable 49ers should look like next season:
Clay predicts San Francisco’s star quarterback will experience a slight decline next season.
In 2024, Purdy is projected to total 3,899 passing yards and 24 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. For comparison, the NFL MVP finalist had 4,280 passing yards, 31 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season.
Purdy showed no signs of slowing down heading into his third NFL season. However, the uncertainty surrounding his top weapon, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, could make things complicated for the 24-year-old quarterback.
The reigning Offensive Player of the Year is expected to certainly be in contention again.
McCaffrey is predicted to rush for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns, nearly surpassing his 1,459-yard campaign last season. Clay also projects the running back to catch 67 passes for 527 yards and four touchdowns — not bad.
The 49ers would already love to have Aiyuk on the team next season, and even more so when evaluating your projections for next season.
Aiyuk is predicted to catch 75 passes for 1,068 yards. A bad year, yes, but it would be his third consecutive 1,000-yard season.
Deebo Samuel is expected to make 62 catches for 924 yards. In 2023, he had 60 receptions for 892 yards.
Jauan Jennings, projected to have 15 receptions for 196 yards and a touchdown, should also be surprisingly outclassed by rookie Ricky Pearsall. Clay is San Francisco’s first-round draft pick, finishing with 29 receptions for 385 yards and three touchdowns. Fellow rookie Jacob Cowing isn’t expected to do much.
Meanwhile, Kittle is poised to have the fifth 800-plus yard season of his seven-year NFL career, projected at 63 receptions for 846 yards and 5 scores.
Passers
Clay has edge rusher Bosa with 10 sacks in 2024 – 0.5 fewer sacks than last season. Unlike Bosa, Floyd should also see a decrease in sacks compared to 2023 (10.5), with 7.5.
On the defensive line, Javon Hargrave is expected to have six sacks. He had seven last season. Maliek Collins is projected to have around four, after having five a season ago.
The 49ers have collectively had 48 sacks in 2023. Clay projects San Francisco to have 43 next season.
Linebackers
Fred Warner is expected to be Fred Warner. He is projected to have a career-high 144 tackles, certainly earning him more AP All-Pro consideration.
De’Vondre Campbell should help replace Dre Greenlaw and is projected to make 73 tackles.
A surprise, Clay had Greenlaw not only return but also make a solid impact, projecting the rehabbing veteran to make 73 tackles on 509 snaps.
Defensive defenses
Clay has safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Ji’Ayir Brown combining for 183 tackles on 961 snaps each. Hufanaga is also expected to have nearly two interceptions and Brown three.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward is predicted to be the 49ers’ leading snapper at the position (1,004), making 76 tackles. Right behind him is Deommodore Lenoir with 83 tackles on 961 snaps.
Rookie Renardo Green is also expected to reach around 50 tackles.
Moody is predicted to make 27 of 32 shots in 2024, or 84 percent. He also made a sometimes nerve-wracking 84 percent of his shots last season.
