Niner Noise
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5 49ers Who Could Make San Francisco Playoff Contenders

By Chandler Wright

Nov 1, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver DeAndre Smelter (15) scores a receiving touchdown against Virginia Cavaliers cornerback Maurice Canady (26) in the first quarter of their game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver DeAndre Smelter (15) scores a receiving touchdown against Virginia Cavaliers cornerback Maurice Canady (26) in the first quarter of their game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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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
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 /

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

No. 2: RB Carlos Hyde

Now, we certainly cannot talk about players putting a team in the playoffs without discussing the heart and soul of the offense and defense.

The 49ers heart and soul used to be running back Frank Gore. After his historic 2006 season, where he rushed for a 49ers record of 1,695 yards, Gore was everything to the team. He carried the load, and the entire offense, with no help from virtually anyone.

Then, in 2007, linebacker Patrick Willis took over the responsibility of being the defenses’ heart and soul, making plays anywhere and everywhere on the field.

But now, running back Carlos Hyde and linebacker NaVorro Bowman are the team’s heart and soul. We will get to Bowman on the next slide though.

After rushing for 168 yards and two scores in Week 1, Hyde’s 2015 season went downhill. With no help from the offensive line or coaches, Hyde ended up on injured reserve with severe turf toe.

Going into 2016, new head coach Chip Kelly wants to man a run-based offense. With Hyde’s ability to do anything he’s asked, San Francisco’s No. 1 tailback is expected to be the workhorse of the offense. With some good fortune, Hyde should be the new heart on the 49ers offense. He may not have as much heart as Gore did, and does, but he’s fantastic anyway.

Standing 6-foot-0 and weighing 230 pounds, Hyde is a truckload to take down. He’s great at getting yards after contact, as he led the league in 2014 with a 20.8 percent rate, according to Pro Football Focus (h/t Ninersnation.com’s David Fucillo). Also, according to Brandon Katz of hngn.com, ESPN Fantasy Football insider Mike Clay pointed out that Hyde was first in 2015 as well, with a 0.28 rate (28 percent) saying:

"One of my favorite targets in 2015 fantasy drafts, Hyde followed up a strong rookie campaign with an extremely impressive sophomore campaign when he was one the field. Despite San Francisco’s wretched attempt at a passing game, Hyde averaged 4.1 yards per carry, including an impressive 2.8 yards after contact per attempt. Exceptionally elusive, Hyde forced 32 missed tackles on 115 carries. That 0.28 rate was best in the league among 64 backs who carried the ball at least 50 times. Hyde’s shaky durability and limited work on passing downs are concerns, but his terrific efficiency cannot be ignored. Locked in as San Francisco’s lead back, the 24-year-old belongs in the RB1 conversation."

The fact is Hyde will be the 49ers engine on offense and, if he’s healthy, it could be a special season for both him and San Francisco.

Next: No. 1, NaVorro Bowman