The San Fransisco 49ers are officially over the fighting Tomsula mantra and have moved forward with Chip Kelly. Simply put this is not a very good roster and have some work to do. Can Chip Kelly return this team to glory as they were under Jim Harbaugh.
3 Position Battles To Watch:
- Quarterback: Colin Kaepernick vs. Blaine Gabbert
This battle appears to be even at the moment and could come down to the wire. Chip Kelly being the guy that he is may take his first shot with Gabbert after all of the noise Kaepernick caused this offseason.
2. Tight End: Bruce Miller vs. Blake Bell vs. Vance McDonald vs. Garrett Celek
All three players will get playing time whether it is at full back or tight end. Miller is regarded as the fullback leaving the other 3 as the starting tight end. In 2015 McDonald caught 30 passes, Bell caught 15, and Celek had 19. Neither of the 3 have high ceilings.
3. Backup Runningback: Shaun Draughn vs. DeJuan Harris vs. Mike Davis vs. Kelvin Taylor
Carlos Hyde is going to be the starter but in reality he isn’t a great fit for the Chip Kelly offense. Your prototypical one cut back who has quick feet and can catch are the guys who excel in this offense, that is not Carlos Hyde. Davis could be that guy as a 2nd year pro from South Carolina. Eventually I believe that will be rookie tailback Kelvin Taylor but we will get to him later.
Ready To Breakout: Tank Carradine
Trent Baalke might be the worst general manager in professional sports which makes this a tough one to choose from. Carradine has the best chance to do so as he added some weight and is getting plugged into the defensive line. Carradine is healthy now and looking to make an impact after 3 mediocre seasons.
Fantasy Sleeper: Torrey Smith
Smith has not played well since coming over from the Baltimore Ravens a year ago. 33 receptions out of your number one receiver is simply not acceptable. With Chip Kelly in town it is possible he can draw up a couple of well designed deep ball for Torrey to take advantage of. Look for him to have a better go of it in 2016.
Rookie To Watch: Kelvin Taylor
Taylor is the next Gio Bernard and should be considered a steal in the 6th round. We saw what Matt Jones did a year ago out of the University of Florida. The same will happen in terms of Taylor.
