Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the top 25 players for 2018

By Chris Wilson

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he sacked Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he sacked Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers Kyle Juszczyk
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Kyle Juszczyk #44 of the San Francisco 49ers is tripped up as he rushes with the ball against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

15. FB Kyle Juszczyk

Just as Lynch told the media prior to the beginning of the season, fullback Kyle Juszczyk was used as an “Offensive Weapon” last year. In 2017, “Juice” averaged 9.5 yards per reception and successfully executed a number of short-yardage runs from his fullback position.

While Juszczyk will be featured again in Shanahan’s offense this season, he has the potential to be utilized a bit differently. Last year, Hyde regularly lined up behind Juszczyk in short-yardage situations and near the goal line, scoring eight times on the ground to Juszczyk’s single rushing touchdown.

With the exit of Hyde from the roster, the 49ers lack a big-bodied running back, so Shanahan could call on Juszczyk as a halfback at times — although many have questioned the relationship between RB size and short-yardage effectiveness.

And after a disappointing season as a pass blocker, Juszczyk may find himself on the sideline in passing situations since the team added McKinnon, who is surprisingly good in pass protection, particularly for his size.