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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking 10 Best Players on Offense in 2016

By Nicholas McGee

September 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) passes the football against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at Levi
September 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) passes the football against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at Levi /
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Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers fullback Bruce Miller (49) looks to elude St. Louis Rams strong safety Maurice Alexander (31) after making a catch in the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers fullback Bruce Miller (49) looks to elude St. Louis Rams strong safety Maurice Alexander (31) after making a catch in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 – Bruce Miller

Bruce Miller has been a key player in the 49ers offense since 2011 and, despite Chip Kelly not using a fullback in his system, he will likely continue to be pivotal to San Francisco’s fortunes in moving the ball in 2016.

Miller is set to be moved to tight end for the new season and it is a position from which he has caught the ball from many times in recent years.

The former defensive end has long since impressed as a pass-catcher both out of the backfield and from the tight end and receiver positions and is a extremely proficient lead blocker who excels at opening up holes in the running game.

Kelly has been quick to recognize Miller’s versatility, praising the sixth-year player at the NFL Scouting Combine -per CSN Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco.

"You look at Bruce as a football player. A lot of times he was on the wing and was like a move tight end. I think they’ve used him here in the past. I don’t think Bruce himself can be stereotyped as ‘He’s just this.’ You’re talking about a guy who was a defensive end in college. – Chip Kelly"

And – with the lack of depth the 49ers have at tight end – Kelly has made a smart move finding Miller a place on the field.

Miller is a moveable chess piece who can be deployed in a number of positions to aid both the passing and rushing attacks. In an offense where so little on the depth chart is settled, having a player they can depend on in a number of areas is invaluable.

Next: No. 3