Niner Noise
FanSided

Predicting the 49ers running back depth chart in 2017

By Logan Stanley

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 11: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes with the ball against the New York Jets during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 11, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 11: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes with the ball against the New York Jets during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 11, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 02: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes during the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 02: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes during the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Starter: Carlos Hyde

Even with the uncertainty surrounding Hyde heading into the 2017 season, he still remains the best back the team currently has on the roster. It’s been his starting position for the past two seasons and will remain so this upcoming season. He nearly rushed for a 1,000 yards last season in only 13 games played, and on a much worse team than the current rendition.

To echo the thoughts of sports writer Dylan DeSimone, Hyde hasn’t reached his full potential yet. As DeSimone notes, Hyde is one of the best in the league when it comes to being elusive. Factoring in this, as well as head coach Kyle Shanahan’s track record with running backs and a presumable jump in carries (assuming full health), this could be the season of Hyde.