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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Biggest Bright Spots on the Team's Roster in 2016

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:28 p.m. ET

Fansided, Peter Panacy/FanSided via Niner Noise

The San Francisco 49ers are a bad team in 2016, to put things mildly. But there are a few bright spots around which the Niners can be hopeful moving forward.

When looking at the 1-12 San Francisco 49ers of 2016, it’s hard to garner up any sense of hope or achievement. This team is bad in nearly every sense of the word.

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Still, the Niners are fortunate enough to have a few pieces breaking through the boring drudgery of San Francisco football this season. And those are the players who will draw our focus.

While most of this season can be relegated to yet another lost cause, let’s focus on some of the positives emanating out of Santa Clara this season. The 49ers have a handful players around which they can build moving forward.

And some of these guys should even be considered as notable “bright spots” on San Francisco’s otherwise pitiful roster.

Most of these players are young. The Niners would be wise to build around them in coming seasons.

So let’s take a look at five players on San Francisco’s roster who made this season just a bit more rewarding.

December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (17) runs the football against New York Jets middle linebacker David Harris (52) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

No. 5: Wide Receiver Jeremy Kerley

At the start of the season, hardly anyone should have thought wide receiver Jeremy Kerley would be the 49ers leader in both receptions (48) and total yards (516).

But he is. And while those numbers might not be much in comparison to similar players around the league, Kerley’s efforts have done enough to suggest he’s worth keeping beyond his current one-year deal in San Francisco.

The 49ers got him for next to nothing too, sending underwhelming offensive lineman Brandon Thomas to the Detroit Lions in exchange for Kerley’s services.

Kerley might push fellow Niners wideout Bruce Ellington, who has missed the entirety of 2016 on injured reserve, onto the roster bubble next year. Ellington can’t stay healthy and regularly contribute.

Kerley can.

As a slot receiver, Kerley might be a nice option to have around as the 49ers continue their rebuild into the offseason.

Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) forces an incomplete pass while Chicago Bears defensive back Brandon Boykin (25) attempts to make the catch during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

No. 4: Cornerback Rashard Robinson

It’s hard to expect much out of a fourth-round defensive back. But the 49ers are getting solid production out of first-year pro cornerback Rashard Robinson.

True, he’s going through some growing pains — most defensive backs do entering the league. But it’s worth pointing out Pro Football Focus‘ admiration of him from earlier this season.

Robinson has a 70.0 overall grade on the year, per PFF, and could easily be a shoo-in to replace veteran corner Tramaine Brock in a starting role next year.

Especially if the next guy on our list, cornerback Jimmie Ward, stays on the outside in base formations.

Robinson has yet to record an interception his rookie year. But his six passes defended is tied for third on the team.

He’s a player worth building around. And if his maturation continues, Robinson should be a solid component within San Francisco’s secondary.

December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) sacks New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

No. 3: Defensive Back Jimmie Ward

Remember when fans were cringing about defensive back Jimmie Ward going to the 49ers in Round 1 of the 2014 NFL Draft? Yeah, his rookie season was a bit of a mess. But the last two campaigns have been worth the wait.

Ward has solidified himself as a starting corner in base formations and the team’s nickel corner in three-wide packages.

The 25-year-old veteran is tied for the team lead in pass breakups (12) and also has the highest Pro Football Focus grade within San Francisco’s secondary (77.0). Needless to say, he’s been a positive asset for an overwhelmingly disappointing Niners defense.

One might make an argument Ward should be shifted to his natural position, safety.

It’s a worthy thought, but one which would bump either Eric Reid or Antoine Bethea out of their respective roles. With Bethea aging and a possible cut candidate next year, perhaps this is what the 49ers do.

Regardless, Ward has shown more than enough to warrant consideration on this list.

December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs the football against New York Jets cornerback Juston Burris (32) and outside linebacker Darron Lee (50) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2: Running Back Carlos Hyde

One of the knocks against running back Carlos Hyde is he can’t stay healthy. And a shoulder injury from earlier this season, which held him out two games, pointed to this being an ongoing issue.

It will still be the case moving forward. But Hyde’s 2016 campaign is reason enough to assume he could be a linchpin of San Francisco’s offense for the foreseeable future. No, he can’t do it alone. But he’s still one of the few playmakers the 49ers have in their arsenal.

Hyde is closing in on 1,000 rushing yards on the season, and he needs just 121 more to do so — a relatively easy feat over the remaining three games.

Highlighting his efforts was the 193-yard performance against a tough New York Jets run defense in Week 14. Despite the 23-17 Niners loss, Hyde was one of a handful of bright spots San Francisco could boast about.

Hyde may never come close to replicating the numbers or impact former 49ers great Frank Gore did.

But at least Hyde is establishing himself as a top-tier weapon.

December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) sacks New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1: Defensive End DeForest Buckner

Taking former Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner at No. 7 overall was a no-brainer choice for San Francisco in last year’s NFL Draft.

And the investment is paying off nicely.

Buckner might have gotten off to a slow start early this season. But his efforts have been awfully stellar in recent weeks, and he now is tied for the team lead in sacks (five).

His performance in Week 14 against the Jets — 10 tackles and two sacks — helped earn him a nomination for Pepsi Rookie of the Week.