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5 49ers players who need a strong showing in training camp

By Aaron Tan

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Aldrick Robinson #19 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after recovering a fumble by the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Aldrick Robinson #19 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after recovering a fumble by the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 31: Ryan Carrethers #90 of the Los Angeles Chargers tries to tackle Joe Williams #32 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 31: Ryan Carrethers #90 of the Los Angeles Chargers tries to tackle Joe Williams #32 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Running Back Joe Williams

Joe Williams was by far the biggest disappointment for the 49ers in 2017.

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When Williams was drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, many people were crowning him as the next great running back for the 49ers and expecting him to take the starting job over Carlos Hyde.

Well, that didn’t happen. Instead, Williams’ fumbling issues from college remained with him throughout training camp and preseason. He did not look great and was consequently placed on injured reserve with an “ankle injury.” Undrafted rookie Matt Breida was more impressive and made the roster as the No. 2 running back to Hyde.

Williams is going to have to prove that he can still live up to the hype and expectations that were set for him when he was drafted. The running back competition is stiff with Jerick McKinnon and Breida locks to become the starting pair at the position, while second-year Boise State standout running back Jeremy McNichols and special teams monster Raheem Mostert vie for the third running back spot on the roster.

Next. Full 49ers 2018 training camp preview and primer. dark

I really hope that Williams can pan out for the team. Because if he doesn’t, Williams will become known as the first draft bust of the John Lynch era.