In keeping up with the position rankings from yesterday, Pro Football Focus ranked the offensive lines and running backs in the NFL. On Monday, PFF ranked the defensive front 7s and QB situations for all the teams. The 49ers ranked 23rd for their front 7 and 31st for the QB situation. The front 7 is an unknown for the 49ers because of new draft pick DeForest Buckner and the 2nd year development of Arik Armstead. NaVorro Bowman is also another year removed from his knee injury. He could be getting closer to the pre-injury NaVorro.
PFF ranked the 49ers offensive line at #26. They mentioned that they are only that high because Joe Staley remains one of the best left tackles in the league. The team addressed the offensive line needs by drafting several players to fill the holes. The line had a lot of trouble last season. The rookies will be called on to produce for a unit that needs immediate help.
The 49ers running backs came in at #18 in the PFF rankings. They look to have a star in the making in Carlos Hyde, but injury cut his season short in his 1st year as starting RB. When he did play, he had 70% of his rushing yards after contact. That is a great rate. In the ranking, PFF had Kelvin Taylor and Mike Davis as Hyde’s backup. But in reality, Shaun Draughn is the most likely backup. Carlos Hyde could make a big jump in this ranking next season if he is able to stay healthy and produce like his ability suggests. He is the player that could become a star for the 49ers.
49ers Links
Not good | Offensive Line Rankings (Jahnke)
Best position ranking so far | Running Back Rankings (Renner)
Could be interesting development | Deshaun Watson In 2017 (Biderman)
Smelter On His Past, Future (Price)
Polian On 2 Underrated Former 49ers (CSN Staff)
49ers home game? | 49ers-Rams In China? (Smith)
Trying to expand the market | 49ers To Play In China In 2018 (Biderman)
Overseas Regular Season Game (Rodgers)
49ers Assume Foster Farms Bowl (49ers Staff)
Game In China For 2018 (Mercury News)
Tartt Receives Key To Mobile, Alabama (49ers Staff)
Still a great player | Top 25: Joe Staley (Biderman)
John Clayton Predicts QB (Felice)
49ers Video
Celebrity Softball Game (49ers Video)
Looking for a big season | #32 Fantasy Player: Carlos Hyde (NFL Video)