A now-healthy Christian McCaffrey is expected to carry most of the San Francisco 49ers' rushing workload in 2025. Behind him are Isaac Guerendo, a fourth-round draft pick from 2024, and veteran Patrick Taylor. Additionally, the 49ers added Jordan James in the fifth round this year.
However, Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski believes one undrafted free agent deserves more attention—running back Corey Kiner, who joined the 49ers after a productive college career at Cincinnati. Sobleski named Kiner the team's most exciting undrafted free agent addition, especially given head coach Kyle Shanahan's track record of turning overlooked running backs into valuable contributors.
"Kiner ran for 2,200 yards over the last two seasons (at Cincinnati) and averaged 5.6 yards per carry," Sobleski wrote. "At 5'9" and 209 pounds, the LSU transfer is a pinball of a running back capable of making sudden cuts and bouncing off of contact. He doesn't present a top gear, but he's willing to show how he can produce in Shanahan's run-friendly scheme."
Sterling Xie of Pro Football & Sports Network also believes Kiner has a legitimate shot at making the 49ers' final roster, despite the crowded backfield. In fact, Xie went as far as to name Guerendo a potential trade candidate with Kiner now in the mix.
While trading Guerendo after just one season may seem far-fetched, Kiner is entering his rookie year with no shortage of confidence.
"People are going to say what they say, think what they think," Kiner said, per the Cincinnati Enquirer's Scott Springer. "When I get my opportunities, I make the most out of them. I can't tell people what to say or what to think. We just can control what we can control, and that's how we work."
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