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San Francisco 49ers: Projecting Each Prospect’s Role in 2016

By Jerod Brown

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Treon Harris (3) hands off to running back Kelvin Taylor (21) during the 2016 Citrus Bowl at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. The Wolverines win 41-7 over Florida to claim the Citrus Bowl Championship. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Treon Harris (3) hands off to running back Kelvin Taylor (21) during the 2016 Citrus Bowl at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. The Wolverines win 41-7 over Florida to claim the Citrus Bowl Championship. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

Kelvin Taylor-Running Back

Sixth Round-No. 211 Overall

The 49ers needed a viable backup to starter Carlos Hyde but they also needed a clear change-of-pace running back as well. Chip Kelly likes to trot out a platoon of running backs and, although Carlos Hyde will surely see the bulk of carries, he’ll need someone to spell him and keep him fresh all season.

With the injury concerns of Hyde, it made sense that the 49ers tried to address a backup and different style running back with the same selection. University of Florida’s Kelvin Taylor may do just that.

Kelvin Taylor certainly knows how to endear himself to fans as well.

I’m not going to call him Gore because that’s really premature and it makes me want to cry. But he shows some flashes on tape that will excite fans for the future. And I suppose that’s what this time of year is all about.

Expect Taylor to get anywhere from 5-10 touches per game as a rookie. If Hyde stays healthy, Taylor is simply a compliment to what Hyde does well. That’s enough for now.

The 49ers’ selection of Taylor puts every running back on notice. The 49ers made it clear that they need someone to become the obvious backup to Hyde. Running backs Mike Davis and Jarryd Hayne should be on alert. There’s not much chance of the 49ers carrying more than four running backs and that would likely force one of those two out of the equation.

Next: Aaron Burbridge