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San Francisco 49ers’ To-Do List in the 2017 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

Oct 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; A general view of San Francisco 49ers flags during a NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; A general view of San Francisco 49ers flags during a NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Get Some Depth at Running Back

49ers fans have been waiting for running back Carlos Hyde to finally have his breakout year. It wouldn’t have happened in 2014, since he was backing up Frank Gore. And injuries derailed both his 2015 and 2016 campaigns thereafter.

More from SF 49ers Draft

Needless to say, the Niners need depth. And not just guys who can come in on a pinch.

One of the aspects that made the Atlanta Falcons so dynamic on offense last year was their two-headed approach at tailback — Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. Then-offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan utilized this kind of ground attack to great extent in the league’s best offense last year.

Expect him to want to do it again with the 49ers.

It’s a good thing the NFL Draft class is fairly deep at the position this year. And it shouldn’t be a shock to see the Niners grab a tailback in the middle rounds.