7. Carlos Hyde, running back, San Francisco 49ers
Hyde is another young fellow who really needs to shine brightly in training camp. For starters he’ll need to stay healthy. This is something Hyde has struggled with season to season.
During his three previous years, Hyde has played in just 34 games. He has yet to rush for at least 1,000 yards or score double-digit touchdowns in one campaign. The closest he got was accomplishing 988 yards and six touchdowns in 2016.
He will now face competition this summer from rookie running back Joe Williams. Williams was hand-chosen by head coach Kyle Shanahan in the fourth round of this year’s draft. Meaning, the 49ers technically put Hyde on notice by targeting a running back they obviously see something special in.
Hyde is also entering his final contract year with the 49ers. How well he performs this summer will play a major factor in his future with the team.