Kevan Barlow

For the second straight season Barlow couldn’t stay healthy, and the window of opportunity for him as the 49ers starting running back may have closed. When he’s 100 percent, Barlow possesses an enviable blend of power and speed, but Barlow never seems to be 100 percent – even when he’s in the lineup he seems to be nursing some injury or other, or is at least playing like he is. Statistically there are still reasons for optimism around Barlow, if you can look past his anemic YPCs (3.4 and 3.3) over the last two years. He’s a fairly dependable red zone threat (he had 10 TDs in ’04-’05 and a 16.9 percent conversion rate on red-zone carries), and he also contributes in the passing game. After his trade to the Jets, Barlow should take over as the team's feature back.

Few analysts had higher hopes for Barlow than us last season, due in large part to his excellent 2003 per-carry averages, his uncanny elusiveness and speed for a 6-1, 238-pound power back and his seemingly unquestioned grip on the starting job. But a hip pointer, bruised ribs, a sprained right MCL, a sprained left shoulder and a concussion all slowed Barlow at times, and playing for the league’s worst team didn’t help. Whenever a running back suffers that many minor injuries, there’s always the question of whether he’s just unlucky or is simply making more of the inevitable dings that every full-time back takes over the course of an NFL season. In other words, perhaps becoming the full-time starter exposed Barlow’s inability to play through pain. Whatever the case, Barlow eventually lost playing time to Maurice Hicks, who outperformed him in games down the stretch, and finished the season with a meager 3.4 yards per carry, the lowest average for any starting running back in the NFL. Barlow did run well on his rare trips inside the five, however, scoring on 6-of-9 attempts (67 percent, tied for first). On the positive side, Barlow claims to have bonded with new running backs coach Bishop Harris, and new coach Mike Nolan said Barlow remains the starter. Nonetheless, if Barlow struggles early on, or has a poor camp, Hicks or third-round draft pick Frank Gore could take his job.

The moment fantasy owners have long dreamed of has finally arrived. Will Barlow be worth the wait? Last year’s audition as a featured back was very promising. During weeks 14 through 16, Barlow had over 150 yards rushing twice and over 150 combined yards the other week. He also piled up five TDs during the stretch. Unfortunately, Dennis Erickson does not use his halfback near the goal line as much as Barlow owners would like. Last year, Barlow and Hearst combined for only 18 attempts inside the opponents’ 10-yard line (Barlow was 3-for-7 scoring). In contrast, the Niners tossed 24 passes in this area, and Jeff Garcia added 11 runs of his own (six for scores). Garcia’s absence this year can be expected to boost Barlow’s rushing TDs, as Tim Rattay is not much of a runner. Overall, the 49ers were 25th last year in converting short-yardage runs, and despite Barlow’s impressive size, he’s been more effective running off-tackle – averaging two yards less on his middle rushes in ’03. He is also most comfortable running out of the I-formation, where he averaged over six yards on 88 carries in ’03. But Erickson’s fondness for three-WR sets gives Barlow almost as many carries as a lone setback (4.3 yards on 78 attempts).

Barlow's combined stats over two seasons resemble what he probably would do if handed the featured role – 270 carries, 1,187 yards, 383 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns. He's got a nice blend of speed and power, and he's got the incentive of being in a contract year. On the flip side, Barlow has offended some veteran teammates with his “use me more” whining over the last year or so, and the 49er coaches feel Barlow has to improve significantly as a blocker if he's going to play on all passing downs. Moreover, Garrison Hearst is still in the mix and will continue to get his share of carries.