49ers' Carlos Hyde: Should benefit from improved offensive line

Hyde should benefit from having an improved offensive line this season.

Analysis:

Hyde showed flashes of brilliance last season, but a shoddy offensive line and a foot injury put a cap on his production. With the return of 2014 starters Daniel Kilgore and Anthony Davis to complement the steady Joe Staley, the third-year back has the strongest line in front him since being drafted in 2014. The 49ers also used their first-round pick on the draft's highest-ranked guard, Joshua Garnett, who could enhance the line even further if he earns a starting job prior to Week 1. Hyde will still have to deal with defenses stacking the box against a 49ers team that doesn't offer much of an aerial attack, but the improved bulk up front should help combat that issue.