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2016 NFL Draft: Breaking Down San Francisco 49ers’ Biggest Needs

By Peter Panacy

Jan 15, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers manager Trent Baalke poses for a photo in the locker room after a press conference for the introduction of Jim Tomsula (not pictured) as the head coach at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers manager Trent Baalke poses for a photo in the locker room after a press conference for the introduction of Jim Tomsula (not pictured) as the head coach at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back DuJuan Harris (32) carries the ball against the St. Louis Rams in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back DuJuan Harris (32) carries the ball against the St. Louis Rams in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Back

No. 1 running back Carlos Hyde will need some help out of the backfield next season if he wants to avoid continued problems with his foot and remain healthy over the course of 16 regular-season games.

The 49ers have second-year pro Mike Davis along with last year’s late-season bloomer DuJuan Harris. But the Niners may also look to not only reinforce this crop, but also to give new head coach Chip Kelly a unique weapon who could be used as a receiving threat out of the backfield.

Such an approach didn’t work with veteran back Reggie Bush last year.

Yet the 49ers could be eyeing a player in the mold of Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles, who had 55 receptions for 388 yards and a touchdown in Kelly’s offense last year.

Such a draft pick could push either Davis or Harris out the door. It would depending entirely on how Kelly utilizes this position, how he sees the rotation behind Hyde and what type of change-of-pace back best suits the offense.

Regardless, don’t be surprised if San Francisco nabs some sort of receiving-type back at some point later in the draft.

Next: Defensive Line