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San Francisco 49ers: Starting Lineup Predictions for 2016 Season

By Trevor Irvine

Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebackers huddle during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebackers huddle during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 18, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) is brought down by Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) is brought down by Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Backs – Carlos Hyde

There is no debate here — Carlos Hyde is the clear No. 1 back on this squad. The keys for 2016 are whether he can stay healthy, and how much will he be used in the passing game. He needs to show improvement in catching the ball.

The other Niners backs are all serviceable, and depending on the offensive scheme and when Hyde needs a rest, you can throw in Shaun Draughn, DuJuan Harris and Kelvin Taylor.

Draughn and Harris are adept at catching the ball out of the backfield, and Taylor brings a new running presence and extraordinary ball security (perfect for short third-down conversions).

This group will be used in a rotation to keep them fresh and they need to perform for the Niners offense to get back to a level of respectability.

Next: Wide Receivers