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2018 NFL Scouting Combine: 10 players who should be on 49ers’ radar

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Outside linebacker Jabrill Peppers of Michigan prepares to run the 40-yard dash during day five of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Outside linebacker Jabrill Peppers of Michigan prepares to run the 40-yard dash during day five of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the football 92 yards to score a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first half of the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the football 92 yards to score a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first half of the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Running Back Saquon Barkley, Penn State

5-foot-11, 230 pounds

Collegiate Stats

Running back is a 49ers need this offseason, particularly if Carlos Hyde departs via free agency, which is likely going to be the case.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan isn’t known for targeting top-tier tailbacks early in the draft. But with Penn State’s Saquon Barkley, Shanahan might be inclined to change his approach.

The overwhelming list of quarterback-needy teams this offseason could prompt plenty of signal-callers to go within the top 10, pushing a player like Barkley down the draft order to where the Niners are selecting.

Related Story: Should the 49ers draft Saquon Barkley if he falls?

Barkley has All-Pro potential written all over him. That, combined with the offensive presence of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, and Shanahan’s offense would go from promising to dynamic.

Keep an eye on Barkley’s numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine. A strong performance could push him high up the Niners’ big board.