San Francisco 49ers: Creating the ideal starting lineup for 2018
By Peter Panacy
Running Back
Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk
Halfback: Matt Breida
There are enough signs to point to running back Carlos Hyde departing via free agency this offseason, and that might not be a bad thing.
Especially when considers the scheme fit in Kyle Shanahan’s outside-zone rushing attack, courtesy of Pro Football Focus’ Jeff Deeney, when comparing Hyde to the 49ers’ No. 2 tailback, Matt Breida:
#49ers ran outside zone more often than any other concept last season. On outside zone runs Brieda averaged 5.4 ypc, Hyde averaged 3.2 ypc.
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) February 28, 2018
Sure, Hyde led the Niners with 1,288 all-purpose yards last season. But those are yards that can be dished out elsewhere, particularly with a more effective passing game.
Breida is the more natural fit. And while it’s likely Shanahan and Co. find another runner to pair with the undrafted free agent, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Breida rise up the depth chart and assume a No. 1 role in 2018.
Meanwhile, fullback Kyle Juszczyk was one of only two San Francisco Pro Bowlers last year. No reason to assume anything changes this season.