Succession plan for the 49ers backfield

The San Francisco 49ers current running back depth chart could look a whole lot different going into next season, and rightfully so. The 49ers had the 21st ranked rushing attack in 2017. We go into the offseason with running backs Carlos Hyde as a free agent and undrafted rookie Matt Breida on the roster.

Option 1: Same backfield, same problem

Draft: Nick Wilson, Arizona
Free agency: No one
Keep: Carlos Hyde, Matt Breida
Cut: Jeremy McNichols
Analysis: In this option the backfield doesn’t change that much. You retain Hyde whether that be on a long-term deal or a franchise tag and you get Nick Wilson in the draft. Wilson would be a good change of pace 3rd string back. He would most likely be an undrafted free agent pick up. In this scenario, there would be no reason to draft another back.

Option 2: Go big or go home

Draft: No one
Free agency: Le’Von Bell
Keep: Matt Breida
Cut: Carlos Hyde
Analysis: In this option the 49ers decide to pay the big bucks and pay Bell. This is of course if the Steelers don’t wise up and pay him. Pairing Bell and San Francisco starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense would be a nightmare matchup for all defenses across the league.

Option 3: The once in a generation running back

Draft: Saquon Barkley, Penn State
Free agency: No one
Keep: Matt Breida
Cut: Carlos Hyde
Analysis: This would be a dream come true for the 49ers. Unfortunately, that most likely won’t happen as it is very doubtful that Barkley falls to ninth or 10th in the draft. Still, in the instance that he does, this would be a dream come true for the 49ers. If he does start to fall in the draft, due to the NFL’s lack of positional value on running backs, don’t be surprised to see the 49ers trade up to grab him.

Option 4: The two headed monster

Draft: Sony Michel, UGA
Free agency: No one
Keep: Matt Breida
Cut: Carlos Hyde
Analysis: This option is a lot more logical. Drafting Michel in the second round and signing Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon to a short two-year deal that is incentive based. This option will give the 49ers more options to sign a wide receiver in free agency and will make a good backfield with Breida, Michel, and McKinnon.

My choice:

All the options above are intriguing and can have high reward. each choice also has a down side to it. The most logical one to me would be option four. Michel is one of my favorite backs in this draft class and I think he could be a great back at the next level. Alongside Breida, they would form a great duo in the backfield and could give head coach Kyle Shanahan two running snacks similar to what he had in Atlanta with Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. Option two and three are both really intriguing. However, I do not believe that Barkley falls to the 49ers at nine or that Bell hits the free agency market. But I mean hey who know what will happen.

– Hunter Neel is a content writer for the 49ers. Follow him on twitter @hunterneel_

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