San Francisco 49ers: 5 Positional X Factors for 2016 Season
Running Back
Again in 2016, Carlos Hyde will be an X-factor.
But this slide is for his backups. Because if Hyde goes down, the 49ers may be in trouble. So, who at running back can keep the ship afloat?
Shaun Draughn
Shaun Draughn has been an NFL journeyman so far. Draughn played for five teams before signing with San Francisco this past season. He was a steady player before going on injured reserve to end the season.
So why should 49ers fans be excited about Draughn in 2016?
Draughn was exceptional for the 49ers as a change-of-pace back. He played in six games and tallied 76 caries for 263 yards and one touchdown, as well as 25 receptions for 175 yards and another score. He averaged 3.5 yards per rush, and seven yards per catch. More than his numbers show, Draughn showed explosiveness and the ability to make plays, and he was a joy to watch.
Offensive Coordinator Curtis Modkins finally spoke with the media about some of his plans on Thursday, according to David Fucillo of NinersNation.com. This is what Fucillo reported about. Modkins conversation:
"Modkins was asked about Shaun Draughn, he compared him to Theo Riddick, who played for Modkins in Detroit. Last season, Ameer Abdullah and Joique Bell got the bulk of the carries, but Riddick was a critical component in the passing game. Riddick caught 80 passes on 99 targets, for 697 yards and three touchdowns. His receptions, targets, and receiving yards were all third on the team, behind Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate."
Draughn compares very favorably to Theo Riddick and I’m stoked to see how Kelly and Modkins use him this season!
Prediction
Draughn wins the No. 2 tailback job in San Francisco and is featured in the 49ers passing attack.
Kelvin Taylor
The most notable thing about Kelvin Taylor is that he is Fred Taylor’s son. He’s grown up around the NFL. What more could you want from a rookie coming in?
So, what makes Taylor a player who’ll help the 49ers if Hyde goes down?
One-Size Makes Him Ideal No. 2 Back
Because Draughn should be the No. 1 back if Hyde goes down, Taylor would thrive as a No. 2 in Kelly’s scheme. At 5’10” 207 pounds, Taylor is big enough to tote the rock full time, if need be, for a couple of games at a time. Also being a rookie, with less wear and tear, his health shouldn’t be in question.
Two-Having run in a similar scheme in college, Taylor will fit Kelly’s offense to a perfect T.
Florida’s offense is almost exclusively zone-read and read-option based. What makes Taylor so perfect for Kelly’s offense, is that not only has he seen it a ton in his playing career but he has great lateral quickness. Now, I’ve seen it on display and experts agree. Check out Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com draft profile for Taylor, under strengths:
"Plays the game with advanced understanding of an NFL player’s son. Able to find additional yardage on his own with vision and outstanding lateral agility. Sweeping jump cut eludes sudden roadblocks. Can squeeze through a narrow patch when needed. Stacks cuts on cuts onto the second level. Has quickness to gain the corner. Never fumbled during time at Florida spanning 486 carries and 510 touches. Understands job requirements as pass blocker and executes to best of his ability."
Prediction
Taylor is the 49ers No. 3 tailback come Week 1. His lateral quickness could make him a favorite of Kelly’s because it takes advantage of the offense’s style.
Final Thoughts
Jarryd Hayne would have been nice to see, but alas Draughn and Taylor will be capable backups to Hyde throughout the 2016 campaign. Mike Davis may make the roster on draft status alone. He doesn’t fit the offense very well, but is a fine back none the less. Dujan Harris should also challenge for playing time. He’s injury prone, but remember how he scored a touchdown against the 49ers in the 2013 divisional round? He’s a good player, but I like Draughn better and think he’ll stick, thus bumping Harris off the roster.
Next: Quarterback