San Francisco 49ers: 5 Potential Breakout Players in 2016
By Peter Panacy
Running Back Carlos Hyde
Third-year running back Carlos Hyde was supposed to have a breakout season in 2015 after veteran back Frank Gore departed the team via free agency.
But a foot injury limited Hyde to just 470 yards over seven games, and the talented ball-carrier ended up finishing the season on injured reserve.
San Francisco will need to get him some help. Hyde, thanks to his bullish and aggressive style, shouldn’t be asked to carry the offensive load on the ground each and every play. No, the 49ers need to spell him — something of utmost importance in head coach Chip Kelly’s offense.
They’ll probably do so this offseason. And complementary pieces like DuJuan Harris and Mike Davis should assist well enough.
If Hyde stays healthy, signs point to Hyde being a breakout candidate for 2016
Why He’ll Break Out
Niner Noise staff writer Richard Madrid put together an excellent piece describing Hyde, Chip Kelly’s offense and the overall fit between the two.
You’ll want to read it in order to understand why Hyde is poised for a breakout year, but the nuts and bolts of it combines Hyde’s ability along with Kelly’s inside-zone approach.
It’s a perfect match.
Next: S Jaquiski Tartt