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Fantasy Football: Early San Francisco 49ers Stock Watch for 2016

By Peter Panacy

Nov 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) during a player injury against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) during a player injury against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 7, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) before the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) before the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Up: Running Back Carlos Hyde

Unlike Jarryd Hayne, No. 1 tailback Carlos Hyde should see plenty of touches in 2016.

Hyde has slimmed down in an attempt to avoid the nagging foot injury that cut his efforts short last year. At best, Hyde might be capable of putting forth the same type of production seen in Week 1 last season — a game in which Hyde rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns.

There’s also a major benefit for Hyde operating in head coach Chip Kelly’s offense. The inside-zone blocking scheme is perfect for Hyde’s style of running.

And if you want to know more about why Hyde could easily break out this season, look no further than Niner Noise staff writer Rich Madrid’s in-depth breakdown.

Hyde will also benefit from the 49ers’ efforts to reinforce the offensive line during the offseason. Rookie guard Joshua Garnett is known for his run-blocking capabilities, which should play right into the Niners’ ground-game efforts.

That’s good news for Hyde owners. And the fact he’s coming off an injury-shortened year should also help his value in the mid-to-late rounds.

According to CBS Sports fantasy writer Jamey Eisenberg, Hyde is the No. 16 overall tailback available in fantasy drafts. He won’t go anywhere near as early as running backs Todd Gurley, Adrian Peterson or Le’Veon Bell. But Hyde should still be a nice mid-round pickup and a solid No. 2 option.

Fantasy Projection: Hyde could wind up being a steal if you draft him around Round 5 or so of a standard-format league. It’s possible 2016 winds up being a breakout year for Hyde, although you’ll want to keep an eye on a solid backup option in case Hyde’s foot injury comes back to haunt him.

Next: Quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick & Blaine Gabbert