49ers: Predicting 2018 starting lineup post Jimmy Garoppolo trade

San Francisco 49ers: Predicting 2018 starting lineup post Jimmy Garoppolo trade

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the New England Patriots on the sidelines during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

10 of 11

GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 01: Running back Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes the football against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers in overtime 18-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Running Back

Halfback: Carlos Hyde

Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk

Yes, going with running back Carlos Hyde means the 49ers have to extend the 27 year old and will all but pass on Penn State’s Saquon Barkley in the NFL Draft.

Barkley could end up going No. 1 overall anyway, although it’s probably best for the Niners to trade that pick down for more draft capital (we predicted this would happen to land LSU EDGE Arden Key, remember?).

Besides, tabbing a running back early hasn’t been something Kyle Shanahan and running backs coach Bobby Turner are known for.

Instead, Hyde is the answer and may finally get the chance to operate effectively behind a good offensive line for the first time in his career.