Matt Breida was a popular undrafted rookie in 2017, but only showed flashes in limited touches his first year. He burst onto the scene in Year 2 when an injury pushed him to the top of the depth chart. It didn’t take long for him to take advantage of the increased role.
Breida’s first breakout game came in the team’s Week 2 win over the Lions. He had 138 yards on 11 carries, and ripped off a 66-yard touchdown late in the third quarter to put San Francisco up by two scores.
Breida’s explosiveness waned a bit last season as he dealt with injuries, but he still managed to average 5.3 yards per attempt on 153 carries.
A fully healthy Breida in a healthier, improved 49ers offense has to be an exciting prospect for San Francisco’s coaching staff. They have several explosive running backs who’ll garner touches. None of them are as liable to take a play the distance as Breida. He should get plenty of opportunities even in a crowded backfield, and a healthy third season should turn in more performances like that breakout Week 2 game last season.
