49ers: Top 20 NFL Draft picks from former general manager Trent Baalke

San Francisco 49ers: Top 20 NFL draft picks from former general manager Trent Baalke

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 20: San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke speaks to the media during a press conference where Chip Kelly was announced as the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on January 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 12: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

The 49ers had to start thinking about replacing their all-time franchise-leading rusher, Frank Gore, in the 2014 NFL Draft. And that’s exactly what they attempted to do by taking former Ohio State standout Carlos Hyde in Round.

Hyde was one of the most prolific college runners in that year’s draft, and he would have the added bonus of learning behind Gore that season.

The Niners turned the reins over to Hyde the following year, and the then-second-year tailback exploded on the scene with one of the most dominant Monday Night Football performances in recent history:

Unfortunately, Hyde has been held back by injuries and a weak pass-blocking Niners offensive line. Through 2016, Hyde has yet to crest 1,000 yards rushing.

One can only wonder what those numbers would have been, had Hyde enjoyed the same supporting cast Gore had the few years before.

Regardless, Hyde remains one of San Francisco’s best offensive weapons in the recent post-Trent Baalke era.