Should the Seahawks target 49ers RB Carlos Hyde?

NFL analysts expect a deep running back class in the 2018 draft, but there will also be plenty of potential free agent targets. Could one of those veteran running backs be a good fit for the Seahawks?

According to 710 ESPN Seattle’s Brock Huard, the Seahawks could target a player like Carlos Hyde to add depth.

Clayton: What to expect from NFL’s ‘franchise tag’ season

“There are going to be a lot of veteran free agent running backs out there,” Huard said during his Blue 42 segment of Brock and Salk. “You’re going to hear from (analyst) Todd McShay that this is one of the deepest running back classes he’s seen in a draft. There are going to be a lot of options. And with that, there are going to be players out there, like Jermaine Kearse a couple years ago, who are going to be sour about their market value.

“Le’Veon Bell is at the top of the list. He’s going to get his money. But I go down here (on this list) and look at Carlos Hyde from San Francisco. He’s a very intriguing player to me. If there is a young – in that 24-26 (age range) – poor (player) who hasn’t got his yet, and he’s hungry because the market isn’t paying him, I like it. As far as a bunch of these names: they’re old, they’re tired, they’re beat up, and I don’t want any part of that Eddie Lacy formula. But give me a Carlos Hyde who doesn’t have a market value out there. Maybe you don’t get the guy in the draft you’re really targeting, (but) there are going to be ample opportunities.”

The 49ers drafted Hyde in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. In four years, he has racked up 2,729 yards and 21 touchdowns on 655 carries. He also has 634 receiving yards for three touchdowns. And Hyde has his best production last season: he started all 16 games and scored a career-high eight touchdowns.

Hyde, who turns 28 in September, will become a free agent March 14.

Here’s a better look at the Seahawks’ cap space from John Clayton.

Follow @stacyrost