49ers: Playmakers can make offense fun again
Even if the 49ers offense doesn’t improve statistically in 2016, it should at least be significantly more creative than the Geep Chryst version of last season. Aside from the uptempo play calling, the 49ers have a group of players with skill sets that could foster a fun and dynamic offense. They lack any big names on offense besides Torrey Smith, however they have an intriguing mix of versatility which could prove formative if Chip Kelly’s offense lives up to it’s billing.
It all starts with the four quarterbacks currently on the roster who all possess better than average speed for the position. Colin Kaepernick holds the single game rushing record for a quarterback. Blaine Gabbert ran less than a one tenth of a second slower forty yard dash than Kaepernick. Jeff Driskel was the fastest timed quarterback at this year’s combine, while Thad Lewis also posted a solid forty time and is considered to have above average athleticism.
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Fullback Bruce Miller has already proven his incredible versatility by switching from defensive end in college to his present NFL position. He became a favorite of Jim Harbaugh who used him all over the backfield and offensive line, using Miller at times as a fullback, running back, H-back or tight end. He has already shown he can be a reliable receiver coming out of wherever he’s lined up and should become a favorite of Kelly’s as well.
Last year’s feel good story Jarryd Hayne is a wild card. Hayne has obvious speed, size, strength and hands but must show a dramatically improved understanding of football to become the weapon he possesses the potential to be. If he can manage to do so, Kelly will have a very unique weapon at his disposal who fans can imagine being utilized similar to a player like Percy Harvin.
Wide receiver Bruce Ellington, the former college point guard, is a candidate to be used similar to how Kelly used De’Anthony Thomas at Oregon, as a sort of hybrid running back/wide receiver. Ellington was even someone Kelly singled out in an interview as a talent currently on the roster which intrigued him. Undrafted free agent Devon Cajuste, should he make the roster, would present a matchup problem for almost every cornerback in the league, as he excels at jump balls at 6’4”.
Last season’s free agent signing Jerome Simpson failed to make an impact but the acrobatic wide receiver has been productive in the NFL in the past and should be a factor in 2016.
Despite their obvious greatness, players like Anquan Boldin and Frank Gore lacked that dynamic element. The 49ers chose to plod their way to victory, knowing they weren’t trying to fool you, just beat you. If Chip Kelly proves to be the offensive genius some make him out to be, the 49ers offense could be quite the show.
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