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San Francisco 49ers: Prioritizing Each Position on Roster Before the 2016 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive line coach Mike Solari (far left) instructs during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive line coach Mike Solari (far left) instructs during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Back

Players on Roster: Carlos Hyde, DuJuan Harris, Shaun Draughn, Mike Davis, Jarryd Hayne, Kendall Gaskins, Bruce Miller (FB)

Running back is one of the deeper positions the 49ers have entering 2016, and the majority of focus will be on No. 1 starter Carlos Hyde and how his foot holds up to a full season of work.

There isn’t any competition for the starting job. But backing up Hyde appears to be of utmost importance.

San Francisco re-signed running backs DuJuan Harris and Shaun Draughn earlier this offseason after both flashed some commendable moments with the team last year. Yet neither are truly guaranteed to make the roster.

Similar arguments could be made for backs Mike Davis and Jarryd Hayne, although they probably have a better chance at sticking around when the regular season commences.

We can rule out any need at fullback, since Bruce Miller is one of the best in the NFL — even if the position is scantly used by head coach Chip Kelly.

So, in all likelihood, the Niners won’t worry about this position too much unless there is a mid- or late-round pick with eye-popping potential and a possible unique skill set that attracts the attention of Kelly and general manager Trent Baalke.

But the competition for depth will remain heated throughout training camp and the preseason.

Priority 4

Next: Wide Receiver