San Francisco 49ers: 5 Biggest Weaknesses Entering 2016

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Sep 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) carries the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5, Lack of Depth at RB

Peter Panacy writes a lot of great content for Niner Noise, and a recent piece, “San Franciso 49ers: Full Depth Chart & Roster Predictions for 2016 Season” caught my attention. Particularly, in his running back breakdown, Panacy notes the 49ers’ depth.

Now fairly, I disagree with Panacy. Shaun Draughn will make the 49ers’ roster as the team’s No. 2 tailback. And Draughn, rookie Kelvin Taylor, journeyman DuJuan Harris and Mike Davis all have something to offer. But from a pessimistic standpoint, none of them are future All-Pro Carlos Hyde.

Hyde will be the engine of Chip Kelly’s offense. Kelly utilizes a run-first attack that features halfbacks in the passing game frequently. Screens, swing routes, wheel routes and check-downs are all routes that Kelly uses in his hurry-up style of offense. Hyde is great with these routes as he’s a very heady player with great hands. Simply put, Hyde is a complete back.

The 49ers must keep Hyde healthy. It would be a shame to lose the offenses most valuable asset again in 2016. Draughn and Taylor will be more than capable backups for a game or two, but the team needs its offensive engine, for the majority of the season, if it plans on having success this coming season.

Next: No. 4 Injuries on the D-Line,