The San Francisco 49ers are entering a new era for the team as they move forward with a new coaching staff in hopes that it fixes the struggles of last season. Colin Kaepernick is under a microscope this year as many believed he regressed in 2014. The 49ers tried to add more talent around him by signing Reggie Bush and Torrey Smith to help the quarterback with playmakers. However, will it be a pair of returning stars that fix the offense in 2015?
With players like Frank Gore out of the picture, Carlos Hyde now steps into the starting running back role as the workhorse running back Kaepernick needs to be successful. According to offensive coordinator Geep Chryst, Hyde has all of the tools to be a successful starting running back in the NFL after he showed plenty of potential in his rookie year.
"I think he took full advantage of the offseason here to put himself in a good spot conditioning-wise," Chryst said, via the team website. There's just a comfort level. You're no longer a rookie. We see a lot of growth from Carlos both physically and within the playbook. It's a different role for him. It's something he's excited and looking forward to, and he's worked hard to be in that spot."
Along with Hyde, Vernon Davis is predicted to have a big season ahead of him. There was a lot of doubt surrounding the tight end in the offseason as many believed he was on the trade block as he enters the final year of his contract. However, Davis entered the preseason and excelled quickly in the new offensive system. That along with his chemistry with Kaepernick is what will keep Davis around for the long-term. Kaepernick told the media he simply needs the tight end to do what he does best.
"We just need Vernon to be Vernon," Kaepernick said, via the team website. "He's a phenomenal player, a great talent, and someone that can make great contributions to this team. When we step on that field, everyone will be excited to see what he does."
The rise of Davis will be needed as questions remain around the team's wide receiver corps. Smith should be a solid target for Kaepernick to work with, but Anquan Boldin will likely remain the favored target for the quarterback given their experience together. Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington could also play big roles, but if fantasy owners are wondering who the best person to start is in terms of wide receivers, it is Boldin.
The biggest question for the 49ers is how big of a role former Rugby star Jarryd Hayne will have for the team. Head coach Jim Tomsula is keeping his role on the team a secret as Hayne was listed in three different position groups on the depth chart. Hayne is not someone to pick up on fantasy waivers just yet, but the star could be running back kickoffs, acting as a running back or simply blocking on the line.