49ers: Early predictions for San Francisco's depth chart, 53-man roster

San Francisco 49ers: Early predictions for 2017 depth chart, 53-man roster

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers right cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) reacts in the game against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Back (4)

Halfback: Carlos Hyde, Joe Williams, Tim Hightower

Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk

Running back Carlos Hyde has some heat over his shoulder on the depth chart, as former Utah speedster Joe Williams was taken with the No. 121 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Williams may not pass over Hyde right away. But it wouldn’t be a shock to see it happen at some point this season.

Backing these two up will be free-agent pickup Tim Hightower, who offers a nice change of pace at the No. 3 halfback spot.

And while the 49ers traded for former Denver Broncos running back Kapri Bibbs during the draft, Bibbs probably figures to be one of those preseason workhorses to lessen the load on guys handling regular-season duties.

San Francisco also inked free-agent fullback Kyle Juszczyk to a hefty contract earlier this offseason. He will serve as a lead blocker but can also operate as a legitimate receiving threat out of the backfield — another valuable asset.