Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers’ 5 most important offensive players in 2019

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 30: Running back Tevin Coleman #26 of the Atlanta Falcons high steps into the end zone to score in the third quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 30: Running back Tevin Coleman #26 of the Atlanta Falcons high steps into the end zone to score in the third quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Running Back Tevin Coleman

The 49ers already had a deep crop of running backs entering 2019, including last year’s starter, Matt Breida, along with a hopefully healthy return from Jerick McKinnon, who missed 2018 with an ACL tear.

Despite the depth, one of the Niners’ bigger offseason moves was to bring in former Atlanta Falcons dual-threat running back Tevin Coleman.

Coleman, already having thrived under Kyle Shanahan when he was the Falcons’ offensive coordinator, had the benefit of showcasing his fit within San Francisco’s offense during organized team activities and minicamp. Both Breida and McKinnon are rehabbing injuries and are expected to be out until training camp.

Shanahan already knows what he has in Coleman — a pass-catching tailback, who is capable of either a support role or being featured in the head coach’s offensive system.

It wouldn’t be shocking at all to see Coleman earn the lion’s share of touches and reps this upcoming season.

And considering how Shanahan’s offense is still a run-first scheme, there’s no way to leave Coleman off this list entering 2019.