Though considered by many to be the teams’ most talented offensive player over the last two seasons, the 49ers may not be sold on Carlos Hyde as their longterm option at running back.
That is the case according to Tony Pauline of NFL Draft Analyst, who says that sources have told him the 49ers are considering drafting LSU star running back Leonard Fournette with the second overall pick to replace Hyde who, ‘they’re ready to give up on.’
Sources with knowledge of the situation tell me the San Francisco 49ers are very high on Fournette and are seriously considering using the second pick of the draft to acquire him. The new front office wants a bigger back to run the offense and they’re ready to give up on Carlos Hyde, who has had his struggles staying healthy since being drafted by the franchise in 2014.
This is not the first time Fournette has been kicked around as a potential first-round target for the 49ers. KNBR’s Senior Writer Kevin Jones reported from the scouting combine in March that he had heard similar rumblings regarding Fournette.
“One crazy rumor I did hear, though, that Leonard Fournette might be in play at number two for the 49ers,” Jones said. “That he’s that talented of a player. They truly may believe that he’s the best player in the draft. That would be wild because you already have Carlos Hyde. It wouldn’t really make sense but if you think Fournette is going to be that good, is going to be a 15-hundred yard back a year and you’re not sure on other guys, I think they would receive so much criticism for that move but I hear he’s not being scratched off the board at number two.”
Albert Breer of NFL Network also said that the 49ers would like to trade back for Fournette if possible, a scenario that Larry Krueger thinks will happen in his latest mock draft.
While it may seem strange that the 49ers would be keen to giving up on a 25-year old running back that has shown flashes of brilliance behind a questionable offensive line, Hyde is a free agent after next season. He has also had trouble staying on the field, playing only 20 games over the past two seasons with a myriad of injuries. When he was on the field last season, however, Hyde was quite effective, averaging 4.6 yards per carry, slightly above his career average of 4.3.
If the 49ers are not convinced Hyde is durable or versatile enough to be worth a nice contract next offseason, it’s not a crazy thought to go after Fournette, who many believe may have an impact similar to that of Ezekiel Elliot. There is also the possiblity that Kyle Shanahan wants a two-headed monster of Fournette and Hyde in the backfield next season. Shanahan’s zone rushing scheme is known for getting production out of average backs, so one can only imagine the damage that could be done with two top talents.
If the 49ers are going to move away from Hyde now is the time, as they can at least get something back through a trade, instead of letting him walk for nothing in free agency. Running back may seem like one of the areas the 49ers’ don’t have an immediate need, but if they believe Fournette is a franchise player, a shake up may be on the horizon.
