Adaptation: 49ers’ Kelly aims to make most of what he’s inherited

With the Eagles, Chip Kelly never had a fullback on the roster and had a little use for height-challenged wide receivers.

Last week at the combine, however, Kelly noted it’s his job to play to the strengths of the players he inherited, not discard them because they’re not the type of player he would covet in the draft.

The 2014 fourth-round pick has been a lightly used offensive player (19 career receptions) whose main role has been on special teams (92 kick returns).

[...] the 197-pound Ellington has excellent quickness (he was the starting point guard at South Carolina for three seasons), good speed (4.45 40), an eye-popping vertical jump (39 inches) and surprising strength (he squatted 600 pounds as a high school junior).

In the NFL, Ellington has seven carries (25 in college) and had a rushing and receiving touchdown against the Chargers as a rookie, becoming the first 49er to do so since Frank Gore in 2010.

Miller, of course, was a defensive end at Central Florida who was a two-time Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year.

A seventh-round pick in 2011, he’s shown excellent blocking ability and reliable hands (76 catches) in successfully transitioning to offense.

Kelly said James was recruited as a slot receiver, with the idea he might be able to play running back.

Barner began his college career as a defensive back, but he moved after a rash of injuries in spring practice forced Kelly to make the switch.