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2016 NFL Draft: 5 Best-Fit Prospects for Chip Kelly

By Nicholas McGee

Sep 19, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) prepares to block Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Tyler Marcordes (35) at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) prepares to block Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Tyler Marcordes (35) at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chip Kelly Trent Baalke Free Agency Frugal 49ers
January 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chip Kelly (left) and San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke (right) pose for a photo in a press conference after naming Kelly as the new head coach for the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

The 49ers head into the draft needing reinforcements on both sides of the ball but, having brought in Chip Kelly as head coach, there may be particular pressure on Trent Baalke to select players who can operate in his offense.

Throughout his career, at Oregon and with the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelly has run a fast-paced offense that leans heavily on the quick-passing game.

A quarterback who can get the ball out fast and accurately is a must in Kelly’s system, while having receivers with the ability to turn short gains into big ones is also a plus.

Athletic linemen capable of performing well in a zone-blocking scheme are what San Francisco should be looking for in terms of help up front, and a running-back who can assist the passing attack is something that is also likely to be on the 49ers’ hit list.

Here we look at five players who are excellent fits for Kelly and his offense.

Next: Joshua Garnett