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San Francisco 49ers: Breaking Down Strongest, Weakest Positions in 2016

By Jerod Brown

Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 47-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 47-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 11, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants outside linebacker Mark Herzlich (94) defends San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) at MetLife Stadium. The Giants won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Oct 11, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants outside linebacker Mark Herzlich (94) defends San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) at MetLife Stadium. The Giants won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /

Running Back

A quick preface before we call the running back position a strength for the 49ers; this is under the assumption that Carlos Hyde will actually stay healthy for an entire 16-game season. That’s not a sure bet.

If he does, however, the 49ers will have a running back group that offers multiple skill sets for head coach Chip Kelly to utilize. Carlos Hyde will certainly be the starter. When healthy, he’s a top-10 running back in the league that can also catch passes and pass-protect on third down.

Behind him, there is a little bit of uncertainty as far as who the 49ers will hold on the 53-man roster in August. Fullback Bruce Miller is working to carve a role with the team despite Kelly not using much of a traditional fullback. Miller had 25 receptions for 243 yards in 2013 and is a versatile athlete that might be able to stick around in an H-back/tight end hybrid role in 2016.

As far players expected to carry some of the rushing load, the 49ers drafted Kelvin Taylor–son of former-NFL running back Fred Taylor–in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Taylor will likely make the roster as a change-of-pace back that receives about ten carries a game. In his first year, he’ll primarily be used to give Hyde a rest.

The team has Shaun Draughn and DuJuan Harris returning to compete for spots on the roster after filling in admirably at the tail end of 2015. Both are valuable, but if it comes to a choice between the two, Harris is more explosive and would likely get the nod.

Australian Jarryd Hayne will no longer be considered a rookie and should look significantly improved after a year of experience.

Not all of these players will make the roster but the 49ers, in an effort to trim the extra pieces, will polish out a running back group that can do a little bit of everything. Chip Kelly likes to utilize a stable of running backs and the 49ers’ options should be seen as a clear offensive strength in 2016. Provided everyone can stay healthy.

Next: Offensive Weakness