Niner Noise
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2018 NFL Scouting Combine: Top 5 running backs to watch

By Florito Maniego

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) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes the football against the Washington Huskies during the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes the football against the Washington Huskies during the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The NFL Scouting Combine is set to commence on Tuesday, Feb. 27. Niner Noise looks at five of the best running back prospects the San Francisco 49ers might have their eyes on.

The San Francisco 49ers have now shifted gears to the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana. For any NFL team, the combine helps determine prospects’ intangibles and measurables such as speed, strength, agility and vertical.

One of San Francisco’s priorities this offseason is to address its need at the running back position. If they decide to let pending free-agent RB Carlos Hyde go, the 49ers will certainly look at other options in free agency and the draft.

The team might choose to sign running backs such as Dion Lewis and Isaiah Crowell in the market. However, this year’s draft will feature a plethora of talented running backs that is difficult to miss.

With the large selection of high-caliber running backs, San Francisco might then consider drafting a potential starter for the future.

Among the running backs invited to the combine, here are five of the best prospects likely to fall under the 49ers’ radar.