Predicting the 49ers running back depth chart in 2017

Ever since the departure of Frank Gore in 2015, Carlos Hyde has been the main focus of the San Francisco 49ers backfield. But with a complete regime change, that may not be the case anymore. There are challengers now for Hyde — here’s a prediction of how the depth chart will shake out.

At times during his short career, running back Carlos Hyde has shown glimpses of remarkable ability.

From the opening Monday Night Football game against the Minnesota Vikings in the 2015 season with his highlight-worthy spin move en route to a touchdown, to his absolute shredding of the stout New York Jets defense this past season in Week 14 with his 193-yard performance, there have been moments of utter awe inspired by Hyde.

But ultimately Hyde has yet to string together a complete, healthy season. And in a contract year, this season is of the utmost importance for the fourth-year back out of Ohio State University. Not only is the pressure on Hyde to produce his first 1,000-plus yard rushing season, he is aiming to play all 16 games for the first time — all while he has a new set of newcomers lurking behind vying for his starting position.

Those newcomers come in the form of rookies Joe Williams and Matt Breida and offseason acquisitions Tim Hightower and Kapri Bibbs. Out of those four, Williams and Hightower figure to be the main challengers to the starting position.

Here’s my prediction of how all five will end up being ordered.