No. 5: Running Back
The 49ers will roll into 2017 with Carlos Hyde already established as the team’s No. 1 ball-carrier on the ground.
But injuries and durability continue to be a concern. Hyde hasn’t had a fully healthy season since he was the backup to former Niners great, Frank Gore. The 26-year-old Hyde missed three games last season too and missed 1,000 yards rushing by a mere 12.
He’ll need help, and it’s up to San Francisco to find him adequate backups in the NFL Draft.
Remember, head coach Kyle Shanahan had a two-headed monster at the position with the Atlanta Falcons a year ago. Tailbacks Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman were a major part of why Atlanta’s offense was best in the NFL in 2016.
Sure, it’s possible the Niners look at a first-round running back like Dalvin Cook or Leonard Fournette. It just doesn’t seem likely.
Maybe a player like former Stanford tailback Christian McCaffrey would be a good fit, as Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller suggested (h/t Daniel Ogden of KNBR 1050).
Matt Miller says #Stanford RB Christian McCaffrey is a perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan's offense if he's there in 2nd round #49ers
— Daniel Ogden (@OGTrinny) February 24, 2017
More likely is a mid-round selection. Perhaps someone like San Diego State’s Donnel Pumphrey or Louisiana’s Elijah McGuire winds up being the perfect spell back.