SANTA CLARA — Carlos Hyde could have 55 catches this season in Chip Kelly’s offense.
If you think that number is absurd, Friday’s joint practice against the Houston Texans could end up being the first step in proving you otherwise.
San Francisco’s offense and Houston’s defense were simulating a two minute drill scenario and the 49ers got the best of the Texans because of Hyde’s hands.
With 1:20 left on the clock, no timeouts and pressure barreling into his face, Blaine Gabbert scanned the field for any playmaker to bail him out. With every receiver blanketed in coverage — a scenario that could be prevalent this season — Gabbert found Hyde near the sideline and the running back kept the chains moving.
Out of the backfield, Hyde hauled in two catches during the drive, which ended in a simulated Phil Dawson field goal for the win.
“I think it’s something that’s overlooked, but this year we may get to see it,” Hyde said earlier in June. “I like playing receiver. It’s another opportunity to get out in space and get the ball in your hands.”
In 21 career NFL games, Hyde has just 23 career receptions. The 6-foot, 235-pounder is best known for his combination of patient yet bruising style of running, and according to Pro Football Focus’s grading scale, Chip Kelly has never coached a running back with the elusiveness that Hyde has to offer. He may not look like your typical multi-purpose running back (Darren Sproles and Danny Woodhead come to mind) but Hyde has an untapped skill set as a pass-catcher.
Whether it’s Gabbert and his affinity for check-downs, or it’s Kelly’s design in the offense, the 49ers are going to give Hyde a meaningful amount of targets in 2016.
WR Bryce Treggs
He does not look like an undrafted player. A polished route runner, with an athletic stride and a large upper body, Treggs won’t stop making big plays and it was encouraging to see that trend continue against Houston. Quarterback Jeff Driskel hooked up with his fellow rookie on a post corner pattern and the wide receiver from Cal leapt to make the reception in double-coverage, tapping both feet in bounds. Earlier, in a one-on-one drill against Houston starting cornerback Kareem Jackson, Treggs beat the veteran on a dig route near the sideline. It’s too early to say he’s putting Quinton Patton on notice, but of the other inexperienced receivers — DeAndre Smelter, DeAndrew White, DiAndre Campbell and Aaron Burbridge — Treggs could make the leap from the practice squad to the 53-man roster by the end of the preseason.
WR Jerome Simpson
Unless he absolutely craps the bed in the preseason, Simpson seems like a lock to make the roster, a surprise on many accounts. Similarly to Treggs, Simpson does not look like a 30-year-old receiver on his last leg as an NFL player. He might be the fastest player on offense and he continues to consistently beat cornerbacks deep down the field. On Friday, Houston’s A.J. Bouye was the latest victim. Blaine Gabbert hit Simpson on a 35-yard stop-and-go route, which likely would’ve ended in a touchdown in a real game.
“The thing you notice about Jerome is he’s always running,” Gabbert said. “The conditioning level that he’s at right now is tremendous. It’s full-speed every play, whether it’s the first play of practice or the last play of practice.”
RB Mike Davis
Faced with stiff competition, Davis ran with his hair on fire Friday against the Texans. He’s shifty, has a second-gear and displayed the ability to fit in tight spaces. In an excessively crowded backup running backs room, Davis has had a pretty quiet training camp — up until this point. It looks like Shuan Draughn has a leg up, but Chip Kelly told reporters earlier in training camp this practice against the Texans will be weighed heavily when roster cuts are determined. Though he was hard on himself for a drop (which he promised to hit the jug machine later in the day), Friday was a big win for Davis. He had multiple bursts of over 20 yards, causing the sidelines to erupt in applause.
“It’s all about proving the coaches that I belong here,” Davis said.
QB Blaine Gabbert
Friday, the 49ers looked like Gabbert’s football team — read all about it here. Other than a poor third-down drill in the middle of practice, he was collected in the pocket, and kept making the right decisions with the football — a must in a Chip Kelly offense.
Additionally, Gabbert felt like the starting quarterback at the podium. With his hat on backwards, his smile flashing, and his jokes actually decently funny, Gabbert gave off the vibe that this quarterback competition could be in its final stages.
“We did a lot of great things today, the 26-year-old said. “There’s definitely some things that we need to clean up on. We’ll watch the film and do that this afternoon, but for the most part, the offense as a whole executed really well.”
