Niner Noise
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Predicting 49ers 2016 Depth Chart Before Training Camp

By Peter Panacy

Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 7, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) before the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) before the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Back

Starter: Carlos Hyde

Backup: DuJuan Harris

Will 2016 finally be the year in which running back Carlos Hyde breaks out of former 49ers tailback Frank Gore’s shadow?

Fans and the coaching staff are certainly hoping so.

Despite a hot start to 2015, Hyde’s first year as the bona fide No. 1, a nagging foot injury forced Hyde out of the picture midway through the season, and the Niners were left scrambling for running back options for the rest of their schedule.

Slimmed down, Hyde is the perfect fit for head coach Chip Kelly’s inside-zone scheme — an approach similar to what Hyde enjoyed at Ohio State.

Hyde will be the bell cow of San Francisco’s offense this season. But he’ll need some help.

A number of candidates could fit the bill as the Niners’ No. 2 tailback this year. Perhaps rookie runner Kelvin Taylor gets the gig, although journeyman running back DuJuan Harris looks to be one of the best options right now.

Harris averaged more yards on the ground in 2015 (5.2 to 3.5) and in the receiving game (10.8 to 7.0) than the guy with whom he’s likely competing the most, Shaun Draughn.

Both could make the roster, but Harris will be one spot ahead of Draughn on the depth chart.

Next: Quarterback