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In 2021, the San Francisco 49ers were severely depleted at the running back position, with rotation players Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., and Trey Sermon all missing portions of the season with injuries.
That led to a difference in strategy by the 49ers, who utilized rookie running back
Elijah Mitchell heavily, as the Louisiana product rushed 207 times for 963 yards and five touchdowns in 2021.
In fact, it was the first time since 2017, the beginning of the Shanahan-Lynch era, that the 49ers had a 200+ carry rusher, when Carlos Hyde rushed 240 times.
Since then, no running back had eclipsed the 156 carry mark, until Mitchell accomplished the feat in 2021.
What made the number even more impressive is that Mitchell reached 207 carries in just 11 total games, as he himself suffered numerous injuries during the course of the season.
Now, in 2022, the 49ers are determined to return to their original rushing plan, according to 49ers insider Matt Maiocco.
"The influx of running backs over the past two drafts makes for what should be an interesting competition at running back, as coach Kyle Shanahan appears determined to deploy more of a backs-by-committee approach," Maiocco said.
On paper, that theory makes sense.
The 49ers drafted running back
Ty Davis-Price in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, adding to a group that now includes a healthy Trey Sermon, Jeff Wilson Jr., and Elijah Mitchell, as well as undrafted free agent
Jordan Mason.
Mitchell's numerous injuries could prompt a decrease in usage during 2022 in an effort to keep the second-year running back healthier for the upcoming campaign, leading the way for other members of the position group to share some of the spotlight.
It's also interesting to note the variety of skillsets within the running back room.
Mitchell was primarily featured as an outside-zone rusher in 2022, seeing his best success when running behind left tackle
Trent Williams, utilizing his speed to get yards outside the numbers.
Davis-Price, on the other hand, appears to be more of a short-yardage rusher. While he doesn't possess the long speed of Mitchell, he has elite explosiveness—showcased by his excellent 1.53 10-yard split—and a burly 6'1, 220-pound frame that should help him sustain hits at the NFL level.
Sermon is more of an agile rusher, trimming down his weight over the past year in exchange for more shiftiness, which has been on display in several workout videos of him alongside other NFL running backs.
Mason, an undrafted free agent from Georgia Tech, is a jack-of-all-trades, possessing size, speed, and the receiving ability to potentially make him a competent third-down threat in the NFL.
With several running backs with differing skillsets, it appears that the 49ers will return to their backs-by-committee form in 2022, as long as injuries don't thwart the position group as they did a year ago.
A questionable rumor surfaced on Wednesday regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers' interest in San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Sports Illustrated contributor Noah Strackbein reported that the AFC team was seemingly confident they could pull off a trade for Aiyuk.
However, the credibility of this report comes into question due to the assertion that the Steelers believe they could acquire Aiyuk at a bargain price, possibly in exchange for a second-round draft pick and a late-round selection.
RELATED: Steelers believe they can acquire Aiyuk at a
ESPN insider Adam Schefter recently shared his insights on the situation surrounding San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk during an appearance on the network's "NFL Live" show. Schefter clarified that while Aiyuk would like to remain with the 49ers, his priority is securing a contract that reflects his value, regardless of the team.
When questioned about Aiyuk's desire to stay with the team that selected him in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Schefter responded, "Well, I think his desire to get paid is greater than his desire to stay in San Francisco, wherever that is. If the 49ers want to pay him, I'm sure he'd love to stay in San Francisco. If another team would like to pay him, I'm sure he'd like to go
If the San Francisco 49ers decide to trade wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, it's likely to occur within the next four days—before or during Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite some unconfirmed rumors, there has been no concrete indication that a trade is imminent. Previously, the 49ers had expressed a desire to retain Aiyuk for the foreseeable future.
Aiyuk's agent, Ryan Williams, has swiftly refuted rumors, including one alleging that the receiver had requested a trade, claiming that the Pittsburgh Steelers were "aggressively pursuing" the receiver.
While no official trade request
NFL Communications has officially announced the "NFL legends and active players" who will announce selections during Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Representing the San Francisco 49ers will be former defensive tackle Anthony "Spice" Adams, who spent four seasons with the team and nine in the NFL.
San Francisco selected Adams out of Penn State in the second round (No. 57 overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft.
The NFL's full announcement is below.
In the NFL's continuous effort to connect the game's greats with the next generation of stars, NFL Legends and active players will add to the excitement of the 2024 NFL Draft by announcing various selections and participating in festivities in Detroit.
Pro Football Hall of Famers Isaac
