San Francisco 49ers: Predicting Risers & Fallers in Chip Kelly’s Offense

Riser: Running Back Jarryd Hayne

Running back Jarryd Hayne will be a part of the 49ers’ plans in 2016, and that could end up being a very good thing for San Francisco’s special teams and offense.

Hayne needs to work on his ball-handling skills and blocking technique. But the raw skill set is there.

Chip Kelly is the type of head coach who could look at a talent like Hayne and work him into a system that best puts him to use. Kelly’s offense specializes in making use of open space, creating mismatches and exploiting weaknesses in the defense — elements Hayne has shown both in Australian rugby and in limited action (mostly the preseason) at the NFL level.

Hayne didn’t receive a lot of trust from San Francisco’s last crop of coaches. Yet that looks to change under Kelly.

David Fucillo of Niners Nation described the potential situation:

"While we have no idea what kind of career Hayne will end up having in the NFL, he strikes me as the kind of weapon that Chip Kelly will have some fun with this coming season. Whether it works out remains to be seen, but the potential use of Hayne is intriguing to consider."

Perhaps Kelly envisions Hayne in the mold of Eagles running back Darren Sproles — a multifaceted tool with which the 49ers offense can try any variety of things.

And that’s perfectly good for Hayne’s future.

Next: Question Marks: Colin Kaepernick & Blaine Gabbert