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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ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 15: Matt Breida #36 of the Georgia Southern Eagles runs the ball during the first half against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 15: Matt Breida #36 of the Georgia Southern Eagles runs the ball during the first half against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Matt Breida

Another rookie who has made some waves in the 49ers offseason workouts, undrafted rookie Matt Breida is looking to defy the odds and not only make the team, but get playing time. Out of tiny Georgia Southern, the speedster has been able to cement himself as a potential lock for the final 53-man roster with his dazzling play during the spring (via Barrows):

"In the spring, at least, it seemed as if undrafted Matt Breida (see below) had more highlights than Williams … Breida’s speed was apparent during the spring. He was especially adept at catching short passes and turning up field quickly, which is a staple of Shanahan’s offense."

This is a player who could be the darkhorse of the bunch, the one to leapfrog the depth chart. But for now, this is the order I see being the final depth chart.

Next: San Francisco 49ers: Who is running back Joe Williams?

We don’t know who’s going to finish this season as the starter. But what can be guaranteed is that it’s going to be a battle to claim that spot. Whoever is named the starter, it will certainly have been earned.