It’s safe to say the 49ers offense will look a lot different in 2016 under Chip Kelly.
One of the big changes will involve running back Carlos Hyde, who will be used more as a pass catcher out of the backfield.
“He’s got really, really good hands,” Kelly told the team’s website as the 49ers held their mandatory minicamp this week.
Hyde, a second-round draft pick in 2014, looked like he was going to make a huge second-year leap when he ran for 168 yards and two touchdowns in a season-opening win over the Vikings. However, that was as good as it would get for Hyde and the 49ers. Hyde ran for just 302 yards in the next six games and then missed the final nine games with a foot injury. The 49ers finished 5-11.
Even though he’s caught just 23 passes in two seasons, Hyde welcomes the opportunity to catch more passes.
“I think it’s something that’s overlooked, but this year we may get to see it,” Hyde said.
In Kelly’s three years as Eagles coach, there was always at least one running back who caught 40 or more passes. That’s good news for Hyde.
