San Francisco 49ers: Best 2017 position battles to watch in training camp
By Peter Panacy
Running Back
Players on Roster: Kapri Bibbs, Kyle Juszczyk, DuJuan Harris, Tim Hightower, Carlos Hyde, Raheem Mostert, Joe Williams
General manager John Lynch’s “tepid endorsement,” as Niners Wire’s Chris Biderman put it, in No. 1 running back Carlos Hyde’s abilities doesn’t exactly inspire a lot of confidence for long-term fits.
Hyde will be on the hot seat this season, especially considering how well he adjusts to an outside-zone scheme under head coach Kyle Shanahan. And with rookie tailback Joe Williams in the mix, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Niners begin to give favor to their fourth-round pickup as the season moves forward.
San Francisco also added veterans Tim Hightower and Kapri Bibbs this offseason. They’ll compete with 49ers returnee DuJuan Harris for depth spots.
Bubble-watch players like Raheem Mostert likely have zero chance to make the roster.
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But from top to bottom, this position figures to be one of the most crucial, insofar as position battles go.
Shanahan will likely employ a two-headed punch in the backfield. So this could mean the Niners keep four running backs, in addition to fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
That would mean both Hyde and Williams are safe. Hightower, Bibbs and Harris will compete for the final two spots.
The order however?
Next: Looking at 49ers' locks and bubble-watch players after the NFL Draft
It’s anyone’s guess right now.