Editor’s Note: Throughout the summer ahead of training camp, we’ll count down the top-25 49ers players based on production at their position, physical attributes, upside and expected impact during the 2018 regular season.
Kyle Juszczyk can do a little bit of everything. The 49ers’ fullback is one of the best at the league at his position, but not necessarily for his lead blocking or ball carrying like fullbacks of yesteryear.
He’s versatile as a blocker and receiver, which makes him an important piece for Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He can be used in motion before the snap, forcing the defense to show its hand in coverage. He’s also a mismatch for most linebackers given his speed — and he can use his size to out leverage defensive backs.
Juszczyk became the highest paid fullback in NFL history when he signed for four years and $21 million in the spring of 2017. It raised a lot of eyebrows and drew headlines. But San Francisco had gobs of cap space it needed to spend, and Juszczyk makes things easier on the rest of the offense, particularly with how often Shanahan likes to throw out of base personnel.
(San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk #44 – Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports)
Juszczyk, 27, is coming off back-to-back Pro-Bowl appearances. He caught 79 percent of his targets last season (33 of 42) proving he’s a reliable option in the air, particularly as a check-down target.
He can also win certain matchups deep, like he did late in the season against Houston when he had a contested 29-yard catch down the sideline. He took a short pass 31 yards two plays later, setting up a Carlos Hyde touchdown. The 49ers won, 26-16.
Juszczyk set a new career-high with 76 yards receiving on five catches two weeks later against the Jaguars, which turned out to be San Francisco’s signature win of the season with Jimmy Garoppolo under center. Juszczyk helps Shanahan’s offense be multiple, which is one of its signature traits. Shanahan can spin off multiple plays that attack different parts of the defense with the same pre-snap look. Juszczyk helps unlock that ability.
Top-25 49ers:
No. 16 — Arik Armstead, DL
No. 17 — George Kittle, TE
No. 18 — Trent Taylor, WR
No. 19 — Mike McGlinchey, RT
No. 20 — Malcolm Smith, LB
No. 21 — Eli Harold, OLB/DE
No. 22 — Fred Warner, LB
No. 23 — Jeremiah Attaochu, DE
No. 24 — Matt Breida, RB
No. 25 – Cassius Marsh, DE
