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2016 NFL Draft: Early Projections for 49ers 11 Picks

By Rob Lowder

Photo courtesy of 49ers.com.
Photo courtesy of 49ers.com. /
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Nov 21, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Kelvin Taylor (21) runs with the ball against the Florida Atlantic Owls during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Kelvin Taylor (21) runs with the ball against the Florida Atlantic Owls during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Kelvin Taylor, RB, Florida

Given we have already covered an ACL-recovering rookie, it would not be a Baalke draft without a running back.

As the son of famed former Florida and NFL running back, Ted Taylor, Kelvin is the epitome of football genes.

During Baalke’s post-draft press conference, Baalke quoted Taylor as telling him that he “would not regret this decision.”

I expect Taylor to make good on that statement.

At 5’10” and 210 pounds, Taylor is a small, shifty running back, already showing a patience beyond his years. Lance Zerlien of NFL.com highlights Kelvin’s strengths:

"Plays the game with advanced understanding of an NFL player’s son. Able to find additional yardage on his own with vision and outstanding lateral agility. Sweeping jump ­cut eludes sudden road­blocks. Can squeeze through a narrow patch when needed. Stacks cuts on cuts onto the second level. Has quickness to gain the corner. Never fumbled during time at Florida spanning 486 carries and 510 touches. Understands job requirements as pass blocker and executes to best of his ability."

He has qualities reminiscent of a former, Florida-based 49ers running back, but we won’t go there.

Alongside No. 1 back Carlos Hyde, Taylor will have a significant role in a Chip Kelly offense that loves to run the football.

Projection: Rotational Starter

Next: Aaron Burbridge