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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Players Poised to Break Out in 2016

By Jerod Brown

Aug 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Arik Armstead (69) in action against the Houston Texans in a preseason NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Arik Armstead (69) in action against the Houston Texans in a preseason NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 11, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) catches the ball against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. The Giants won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Jim O’Connor-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) catches the ball against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. The Giants won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Jim O’Connor-USA TODAY Sports /

Carlos Hyde-Running Back

2015 Statistics

Let’s preface this by saying that Carlos Hyde may have already begun his breakout campaign. In 2015, he was leading the league in an impressive category before sitting out due to injury.

The 49ers need offense desperately and Chip Kelly will introduce a system that makes nearly every offensive player statistical more productive. As a member of the Eagles, current Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy rushed for 1607 yards in 2013 and 1319 yards in 2014.

If Hyde is able to replicate some of McCoy’s success, he’ll place himself among some of the best running backs in the league. In terms of ability, he may already be there. But his inability to stay healthy has to be of some concern for the 49ers coaching staff and front office.

Carlos Hyde is seen as the heir-apparent to the 49ers’ running game post-Frank Gore. Fans are desperate for a productive offensive player that might make the loss of Gore sting a little less. Hyde was drafted to be that guy.

As a player, Hyde is capable of being an every-down back but the coaching staff likely has other plans. Kelly will employ multiple running backs, although Hyde will be the featured player. He’s able to run between the tackles, bounce outside on stretch runs, pass-protect on third down or catch passes out of the backfield.

The 49ers will need every bit of Hyde’s skills to be productive in 2016. Without proven receivers on the team, and the quarterback situation seeming more muddy by the moment, Hyde will see plenty of carries in Kelly’s offense.

Let’s hope we see more of these.

If Hyde can stay healthy in 2016, he should be poised to comfortably insert his name among the top-10 running backs in the league. Sharing some of the load with others, expect Hyde to rush for over 1,100 yards in 2016.

Next: Length on Defense