49ers: An Early Look at Potential 2015 Schemes and Best Draft Fits

The San Francisco 49ers will enter the 2015 season with a nearly complete overhaul on both sides of the field. Former defensive line coach Jim Tomsula is now the head coach, but almost every assistant and coordinator will be brought in from outside the organization. 

For the most part, the 49ers have struck out on their first or second options at the coordinator and assistant openings. While the offensive coordinator position has yet to be filled, the 49ers have reportedly found their man to lead the defense.  

San Francisco's tight end coach, Eric Mangini, has been tabbed as the new defensive coordinator, signing a three-year deal with the club last week. Prior to his head coaching stints with the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets, Mangini had extensive experience on the defensive end, including a coordinator role with the New England Patriots in 2005. 

Like Tomsula, there are mixed opinions on the Mangini hire. I expect the same treatment for whoever the 49ers decide to hire to run the offense. 

For now, let's focus on potential schemes the 49ers could run in 2015. As an added bonus, I've added some draft prospects who could be perfect fits within these schemes. 

Offensive Scheme—Power Running Attack

Despite the departure of head coach Jim Harbaugh, the 49ers will likely return to a power-rushing offense that led the team to three straight NFC championship appearances with "Captain Clutch" at the helm.

As much as the fans adored Harbaugh and his overzealous personality, the offense became too pass-happy this past year. If this was by design, the offensive coaching staff needed to go.   

The offense was an abomination despite the talent surrounding quarterback Colin Kaepernick. In all likelihood, the front office gave Harbaugh some indication that the offense was becoming a problem. I wouldn't be surprised if it asked Harbaugh to make changes to his offensive staff, namely offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

Outside of Harbaugh's ego battle with the front office, I'm sure this was one of many problems that caused their relationship to deteriorate. 

How far did the 49ers depart from their rushing identity? Let's compare Kaepernick's stats in 2013 and 2014.

Year	Passing Attempts	TD	Sacks	QB Rating
2013	416	21	39	91.6
2014	478	19	52	86.4

Now, this chart says it all. Kaepernick attempted more passes this year but was sacked 13 more times than in 2013. Not to mention, Kaepernick's quarterback rating and touchdowns thrown all took a dip in 2014.

Even more concerning is Kaepernick's attempt per pass declining every year since taking over as the full-time starter midway into the 2012 season. Of course, this is related to the 49ers' struggles in finding a downfield threat. 

Still, for a quarterback who is considered a downfield thrower, his development the last two years has fans worried. The return of a strong running game should alleviate the pressure from Kaepernick while also opening up more play-action opportunities for the offense.

It remains to be seen if the new offensive staff can be as creative as Harbaugh and Co, but expect the 49ers to return to their roots in 2015. 

Best Draft Fits 

Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

Jaelen Strong, WR,  Arizona State

Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami 

A.J. Cann, OG, South Carolina  

Tre' Jackson, OG, Florida State 

Defensive Scheme—3-4/4-3 Hybrid 

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There was an earlier report by Niners Nation's David Fucillo that stated Bleacher Report's Matt Miller expected the 49ers to switch to a 4-3 base defense under Coach Tomsula. However, that report has been updated, and Fucillo reports CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco expects Tomsula will stick with a 3-4 defense in 2015. 

Now, I've gone on record saying a switch to a full-time 4-3 defense would hurt the 49ers more than it would help. Yes, this defense is extremely talented and versatile, but why mess with a good thing? 

Releasing former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was already an unpopular move in the locker room. Why then change a defense that has been ranked in the top five in yards allowed every season in the last three years? 

It's not like the 49ers need a complete overhaul on defense. Even despite major injuries last year, this unit once again was viewed as a top-tier defense. 

Mangini is a 3-4 man, but I expect the 49ers to run a hybrid of sorts. Don't get me wrong—the 49ers will probably stick with a 3-4 base defense but expect a few tweaks with Mangini at the helm. 

We could see this defense blitz more and the overall aggressiveness increase. This will be an intricate defense, but it should allow the players to still play freely. Mangini will probably get input from veteran players like Patrick Willis and Antoine Bethea. 

Regardless, fans should have high expectations for one of the most talented units in football. 

Best Draft Fits

Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State

Marcus Peters, CB, Washington 

Arik Armstead, DL, Oregon 

Mario Edwards, DE, Florida State