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49ers: 5 Day Two prospects to watch for at Combine

By Logan Stanley

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Sony Michel #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs to the end zone for a touchdown tying the game 31-31 in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Sony Michel #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs to the end zone for a touchdown tying the game 31-31 in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 01: Sony Michel #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs to the end zone for a touchdown tying the game 31-31 in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 01: Sony Michel #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs to the end zone for a touchdown tying the game 31-31 in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Running back Sony Michel

Age: 23 / Height: 5-foot-11 / Weight: 220 pounds

While certainly nothing has been decided yet, it’s looking increasingly likely running back Carlos Hyde will not be back next season. Already, the team has handed out new deals and Hyde has not been among those players to receive one.

Hyde has expressed interest in coming back, but management has been noncommittal. That would place Matt Breida on top the depth chart. Behind Breida is Joe Williams, who was essentially redshirted for 2017 as a rookie, and Jeremy McNichols, a late-season addition.

That’s not a backfield the 49ers can enter 2018 with and expect to be impactful in the running game. More firepower is what San Francisco needs.

Hello, Sony Michel.

The running back from Georgia enjoyed a fine senior season, rushing for 1,227 yards and 16 touchdowns on 157 carries. Michel averaged a staggering 7.9 yards per carry.

Importantly, Michel played in a zone running scheme. With the 49ers, it wouldn’t be foreign trekking for Michel schematically wise.

Acceleration, power and elusiveness are hallmarks of Michel’s game. San Francisco could certainly use that.

Next: NFL trade rumors: The case against the 49ers acquiring Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters

With three draft picks in a 16-selection range, the second and third round will be a busy time for the San Francisco 49ers.