Niner Noise
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49ers’ top-10 most impactful team members of the 2017 season

By Jonah Burros

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers right cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) and other players celebrate after an interception against the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. 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) and other players celebrate after an interception against the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. 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
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 /

No. 8

RB Carlos Hyde / Joe Williams

That’s right, I am veering away from the individual player framework here and for a good reason. It is time everyone stops referring to Carlos Hyde as being pushed out by a newcomer. Yes, the depth charts will list a No. 1 and a No. 2 tailback. But this is not how head coach Kyle Shanahan runs his ground game.

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    • Shanahan runs a multi-back system that rotates in runners who have similar skill sets and keeps players fresh. This, in turn, allows for the scheme to not worry about situational defensive adjustments; he keeps the opponent guessing at all times.

    Shanahan’s outside-zone scheme is an excellent fit for Hyde, Joe Williams and every other back brought in this offseason. Hyde was extremely productive out of it in college, and he was playing even heavier than he is now.

    Hyde has an amazing cut-and-counter ability behind the line of scrimmage and finds holes that most backs do not. He is an excellent pass catcher and can burn around the outside. He turns into a violent back on the second level; you would have a hard time finding a back of this type that has more yardage after contact than Hyde.

    Williams was drafted because of the same fit in this scheme, he brings some different traits that compliment Hyde out of any formation while not tipping the 49ers hat to any changes in play calling.

    Williams is a rocket through the line and shows fantastic agility on the second level. He can burn around the outside as well and possesses excellent hands for the catch. At any point, during any play, from anywhere on the field, Williams can take it to the house.

    These two backs will constitute a frustrating two-headed beast for defenses and should be considered a tag-team out of the backfield.

    Every move made by the 49ers in regards to their RB corp suggests this approach. New tailbacks Kapri Bibbs and Matt Breida only strengthen this philosophy. Bibbs runs much like Hyde while Breida, in turn, is very similar to Williams. This is not a coincidence.

    I spoke at length about this in part one of a five-part series currently going on with Niner Noise that you can read here.

    This new duo should prove to be the jumping off point for the new offense and it would not be a huge stretch of the imagination to see multiple backs with 1,000-yard seasons this year. This is a game changer for the 49ers.