49ers Have 5 Pleasant Surprises Entering Bye Week

The San Francisco 49ers are heading into the bye week at 6-1. Despite losing their most recent game, the season has featured plenty of surprises that have been better than expected. 

5 Pleasant Surprises for San Francisco 49ers at bye week

Osa Odighizuwa 

Odighizuwa was a fantastic trade acquisition this offseason. The 49ers did not expect both Alfred Collins and CJ West to end up on the IR, but they were leaning heavily on those two. However, it is not an issue because of the presence of Odighizuwa. 

He is on pace for the second most snaps of his career as well as a potential career-high in sacks. The bye week is coming at the perfect time for Odighizuwa, who should come out fresh.

Two Day Three Rookies

Between Jaden Dugger and Gracen Halton, the 49ers found two defensive starters on Day Three of the NFL Draft. Dugger starts as the third linebacker, which is a minimal role. However, when Dre Greenlaw was suspended, he stepped in and started as the number two next to Fred Warner. He has been a great addition.

Halton has played far more than expected due to injuries on the line. Still, he has been excellent as a pass rusher and has started to take strides as a run defender. These two head into a much-deserved bye week.

Healthy Mike Evans

This one is tough to add, because everyone knew that Evans would be great for the 49ers when healthy. The issue is that many were unsure how healthy he has been. However, it is a bit surprising just how good and impactful he is when he plays. He is still one of the top receivers in the NFL.  Still, health has been an issue holding him back.

Renardo Green 

Green has had a few down moments, but the overall trend of the year is that he has taken a massive step. He went from being pushed for his starting spot to pushing to sign an extension this offseason. The 49ers challenged him, and he has responded. 

Raheem Morris 

Morris is coming off his worst game, but the secondary finally broke after losing Upton Stout on top of Marques Sigle. With Nick Bosa and a few interior linemen also out, he could not slow down the Atlanta Falcons. Still, the defense has been great all season despite being undermanned. The credit has to go to Morris.