San Francisco 49ers: Predicting Post-OTA Starting Lineups

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 9

Oct 18, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) carries the ball against Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw (91) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Backs

You don’t learn much about running backs in OTAs; it’s very difficult to practice run-blocking or plowing through the line when contact is not permitted. No pads and no hitting makes evaluating running backs in OTAs a fool’s errand.

Carlos Hyde will be the starter here, barring massive injury. Everyone and their brother have Hyde as a breakout candidate this season, and for good reason—when healthy last season, he looked on the verge of emerging as a top running back in the NFL.

Veterans Shaun Draughn and DeJuan Harris have been getting some of the more prominent work during OTAs, but I’d expect one of the younger names, Mike Davis or Kelvin Taylor, to move up on the chart once contact is allowed. No rookies have cracked even the second-team lineup yet; that’s just how Kelly brings along his young players. We won’t really know anything more about this position until training camp.

Next: Wide Receivers