Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 5 potential breakout players in 2017

By Adam Trovato

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
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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Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) celebrates with fans after scoring on a 17-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) celebrates with fans after scoring on a 17-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Carlos Hyde

While reports were flashing around former LSU tailback Leonard Fournette was an option for the 49ers at second overall, Carlos Hyde was enough to deter Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch from selecting the talented former Tiger.

This is because Hyde is the perfect fit for Shanahan’s zone-running scheme.

This running scheme, one the Shanahans (both Kyle and his father, Mike) have run since the beginning of time, requires running backs who are one-cut runners capable of seeing holes in the defense while scanning the field quickly. That is Hyde.

Hyde rushed for 988 yards in 13 games last season, while the 49ers played with virtually no pass offence. This caused defences to regularly stack seven players in the box, severely reducing Hyde’s available running lanes. This did not deter Hyde from excelling, as he provided the 49ers with reliable, explosive and patient running all season long.

Imagining him running behind Shanahan and Bobby Turner’s zone-blocking scheme is a scary thought.

Check out the patience, the cut, the spin and the burst on this run against the Minnesota Vikings:

While Hyde has been the only enjoyable 49er to watch on the offensive side of the ball since Jim Harbaugh’s departure, anticipate it getting even better for the former Buckeye.

If injuries do not hamper this season, Hyde will be a stud in 2017.