The running backs performed at the NFL Combine on Friday and continued the trend of blazing speed, with six players running sub-4.4 40-yard dash times, which is not only the highest number of prospects at the position to crack 4.4 at a single combine since NFL Network began keeping records in 2003, but it's more than the combined total of the past seven combines, per the NFL.
Regardless of speed, however, this running back class is fairly deep, with many potential "hidden gems" in the later rounds of this draft, which may please one certain team: the San Francisco 49ers, who just love to add running backs to their roster.
Despite carrying Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., JaMycal Hasty, and Wayne Gallman on the roster on draft day, the 49ers selected not one, but two rookies at the position in third-round selection Trey Sermon and sixth-round selection Elijah Mitchell, who surprisingly became San Francisco's top running back in 2021 with 963 yards on 207 carries, breaking the 49ers all-time rookie rushing record.
This season, the 49ers could elect to go a similar route in the draft, especially with an increased number of selections (nine currently) and roster spots (28 free agents) heading into the offseason.
Currently, the 49ers have just Mitchell and Sermon on the books for 2022, as Mostert, Wilson Jr., and running back Trenton Cannon are all free agents, while Hasty is an exclusive rights free agent, so there are depth concerns.
With that said, let's look at five potential candidates that the 49ers could select in the 2022 NFL Draft.
1. Georgia RB James Cook
Name sound familiar? Cook is the younger brother of Minnesota Vikings star Dalvin Cook, and could potentially live up to the reputation his brother has established given his stellar college tape during his senior season, where he amassed 113 carries for 728 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 6.4 yards per carry.
Cook ran a 4.42 40-yard dash at 5'11, 190 pounds, showcasing his speed, while limiting concerns about his smaller frame at the running back position.
Cook possesses good vision and the ability to cut, which are two skills that the 49ers value in their running backs. In addition, Cook's smaller frame may suit him better in a running back committee, making him a seamless fit with the 49ers, especially when you consider his pass-catching skills (27 catches, 284 yards, 4 touchdowns in 2021), which San Francisco currently lacks at the running back position.
With new assistant coach Anthony Lynn's preference for pass-catching backs, Cook could be a third-down specialist, preserving his body, and expanding Kyle Shanahan's pass options out of the backfield.
2. Cincinnati RB Jerome Ford
Ford rises similarities to current 49ers starter Elijah Mitchell with his 5'10, 210-pound frame, as he possesses a good combination of size and speed(4.46 40-yard dash), although he needs to improve his vision at the next level.
However, Ford was a bell-cow back for the Bearcats in 2021, rushing 221 times for 1,319 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards per carry in a high-volume role. Still, Ford had just 319 career carries, lessening the durability concerns at the next level, especially in a running back committee like San Francisco.
Ford's similarities to Mitchell make his fit with the 49ers even more apparent, and could develop into another talented running back in Kyle Shanahan's outside-zone scheme, which would allow Ford to trust his athletic traits more, rather than relying on his vision.
3. BYU RB Tyler Allgeier
Ironically, Allgeier is similarly built to Mitchell as well, measuring at 5'11, 224 pounds, but don't mistake them as the same player.
Allgeier, who ran a 4.6 40-yard dash at the combine, is an instinctive runner, trusting his vision and cutting ability to recover for his lack of top-end speed. Additionally, Allgeier already has a feel as a zone-scheme runner, making him a good fit with Kyle Shanahan, who values the vision trait that Raheem Mostert possesses at running back.
Allgeier would serve as a good complement to Mitchell, with his vision and instincts aiding Mitchell's size and speed to form an effective duo in the backfield behind a strong San Francisco offensive line.
4. Missouri RB Tyler Badie
Badie was a two-way workhorse for Missouri this season, rushing 268 times for 1,604 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging 6 yards per carry, while catching 54 passes for 330 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver.
Badie, who measured at 5'8, 197 pounds, ran a 4.45 40-yard dash, representing his knack to work when given space at the college level. Don't be worried about Badie's smaller frame either as he's a tough running back who plays stronger than his size may indicate, which effectively complements his speed.
Badie best serves in an outside-zone scheme that highlights his open-field speed, making him a good fit with the 49ers as a middle-round pick. His receiving ability would be an added bonus, as Badie could serve as the primary third-down option, while getting limited, but crucial, carries as a back.
5. UNC RB Ty Chandler
Chandler was a stout running back for the Tennessee Volunteers at the beginning of his collegiate career before transferring to North Carolina to replace the star tandem of Javonte Williams and Michael Carter for the 2021 season.
Chandler performed well, garnering 182 carries for 1,013 yards and 13 touchdowns, while catching 15 passes for 216 yards in UNC's RPO-style offense with Sam Howell at quarterback.
The senior possesses elite speed, running a 4.38 40-yard, which could be developed into a solid outside-runner for Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers.
Chandler serves as a potential third-down back, as well as a kick-returner, which the 49ers desperately need, with the ability to develop as a runner with some polish in the NFL.