NFL Week 2: Sammy Watkins, 5 rookies to watch

By Evan Massey | Sep 13, 2014

Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) reacts and smiles after he catches the ball for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Carolina Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. San Francisco beat Dallas 28-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Carlos Hyde, San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers selected Ohio State running back Carlos Hyde with the 57th overall pick in the NFL Draft, and were very happy with his Week 1 performance against the Dallas Cowboys. They drafted him mainly due to the wear and tear that Frank Gore has gone through being the feature back, and they wanted a guy that fit their system that could give him some time off. Hyde showed that he is more than capable of filling in, and making plays while he’s on the field.

Hyde finished his debut with seven carries for 50 yards and a touchdown, while also doing a great job blocking when asked. Those numbers average out to 7.1 yards per carry, and he showed a quickness that not many knew he had. His performance was impressive, and he will force the 49ers to put him on the field more and allow Gore more time off.

San Francisco is heading into a game against a Chicago Bears’ defense that has had issues against the run over the past couple of years. They still have a lot of talent on defense, but it simply isn’t as dominant as it has been in years past. Expect Hyde to have a bigger role than he had against the Cowboys, and to put up good numbers once again.

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