ADP: 4.03

As the 2014 NFL season closed, Carlos Hyde didn’t leave the fantasy football world much to salivate over going into the 2015 season. In fact, his biggest boost came from the hands of external sources when the San Francisco 49ers and Frank Gore parted ways -- presumably leaving the starting role in Hyde’s young and unproven hands.

The Niners signed Reggie Bush in the offseason. And while his early-down role is yet to be exactly determined, it’s safe to assume Bush will hoard most of the third and passing-down duties, given he has a career average of four receptions per game.

But even if we are to assume Hyde gets the lion’s share of early down work, there’s much to be concerned about. Like his -0.09 Rushing Net Expected Points per carry in 2014, a mark that ranked 50th out of 67 running backs with at least 60 rushing attempts. There’s also the fact that the 49ers were 29th in red zone efficiency with just a 43.18 percent touchdown conversion rate when inside the 20 last year.

If all of this wasn’t enough to give you second thoughts about Hyde, let’s review the apocalyptic offseason the 49ers had. On defense alone they lost six key players in defensive line anchor Justin Smith; linebackers Patrick Willis, Aldon Smith and Chris Borland; and cornerbacks Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox.

This cumulative loss in talent will be a devastating blow to what has, until recently, been considered one of the better defenses in the league. That raises the question: will this loss in defensive talent, coupled with an already sub-par offense, cause the 2015 49ers to play from behind more?

While the defense took a major hit, the offense didn’t leave without its fair share of bumps and bruises. The 49ers lost right tackle Anthony Davis and Pro Bowl guard Mike Iupati -- two staples along their offensive line. Obviously the loss of these two players does not bode well for Hyde, or any San Francisco running back for that matter.