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2018 NFL Scouting Combine: the 49ers look for running backs

By Joseph Naki

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Georgia running back Nick Chubb looks on after working out during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Georgia running back Nick Chubb looks on after working out during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: General manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers answers questions from the media on Day 2 of the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: General manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers answers questions from the media on Day 2 of the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch led his franchise into the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine looking to find the best athletes in the upcoming NFL Draft. Settling the running back position for head coach Kyle Shanahan would give the team stability headed into the regular season.

The running backs are done with their measurements, completed their bench press and numerous events and finished their positional on-field workouts, bringing their experiences at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine to a close.

The San Francisco 49ers have taken in all the activities and now have to determine which running back will best suit their team needs.

A focus of need, general manager John Lynch will have to secure at least one running back in the upcoming NFL Draft to lighten Matt Breida’s load, especially if Carlos Hyde leaves for free agency.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

In recent days, reaching out to the tons of media in attendance at the combine, Lynch announced the 49ers organization are in talks with Hyde’s representatives exploring the team’s options.

Lynch and Co. have at least met and discussed the possibilities of retaining Hyde’s services. But why would they consider re-signing a tailback that, in the beginning of Lynch’s tenure, was deemed not a good fit and shopped around the league as trade bait?

None of this makes sense, unless Hyde took a turn for the good in Shanahan’s eyes.

Pro Football Focus has Hyde as the No. 50 RB in the NFL. Not exactly killing the league, so why not cut ties with the dismayed runner and look toward the NFL Draft in finding his replacement?

This year’s draft is deep with talent at the position. And while its highly unlikely the 49ers will re-sign Hyde, I’m sure there are questions from the fanbase as to why he’s even considered a possibility for keeping around.

Whatever the reason for discussions with Hyde and reps, the wheels move forward to more viable options. Let’s take a look at five running back prospects the 49ers may have their eyes on.