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Let's be honest, we can use a breather from debating about the No. 3 overall pick (#FieldsAt3).
Hear me out before you dismiss my prediction with "any undrafted running back can thrive in Shanahan's system". I think the 49ers may just trade up for a running back in the early rounds and there's plenty of reasons why this is a likely possibility.
1) Depth and Injury History are Concerns
There's no denying that Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. are awesome. The reality is that both running backs play extremely physical and have missed time in recent years while never handling a full season of consistent work.
We also haven't seen enough of undrafted backups JaMychal Hasty and Austin Walter so the 49ers could have a serious problem on their hands if one of Mostert/Wilson go down. We saw what happened last year when Jerick McKinnon and JaMychal Hasty were the starters.
Don't Forget: Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. are also unrestricted free agents in 2022.
2) Proven History of Trading Up for Offensive Skill Players
After last year's draft, I wrote an article to remind us once again that John Lynch trades up for offensive players Shanahan covets. John did it for C.J. Beathard, Joe Williams, Dante Pettis, and most recently Brandon Aiyuk.
The 49ers have a lot of chips to play with this year with 8 picks in total, excluding the No. 3 pick. Just last year, San Francisco swapped 1st round selections with Minnesota and threw in 4th and 5th round picks for Brandon Aiyuk.
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan have addressed the WR and TE position frequently over the last two drafts. The front office has had success signing undrafted free agents that have panned out (Matt Breida, Jeff Wilson Jr., possibly Hasty), but it's time to add some pedigree to the most critical position group in this offense.
This team being in win-now mode can afford to sacrifice multiple picks for a game-changing running back and I expect them to do so for one of the many talented ones in the 2021 class.
1st round: No. 3 (from Dolphins via Texans)
2nd round: No. 43 (own pick)
3rd round: No. 102 (compensatory pick)
4th round: No. 117 (own pick)
5th round: No. 155 (own pick)
5th round: No. 172 (from Saints)
5th round: No. 180 (compensatory pick)
6th round: No. 194 (own pick)
7th round: No. 230 (from Jets)
3) RB Class is Loaded with Pass Catchers
It's no secret that Kyle Shanahan values versatility at every position. When it comes to running backs, the ability to pass block, run routes, and catch passes out of the backfield will secure you a spot on the 49ers roster.
This year's draft is loaded with versatile backs. Yes, the 49ers may have more glaring holes elsewhere like cornerback and offensive line, but so does every team.
Draft Crush: Najee Harris
Could you imagine Najee Harris in Shanahan's offense? Harris' draft stock exploded after last year's historic run with Alabama and rightfully so. More notably, Najee tallied 425 yards on 43 receptions (nearly 10 yds/rec) in an offense with Jaylen Waddle and Devonta Smith though Waddle missed time. A running back that demands targets in an offense with two Top 15 picks speaks volumes to Harris' versatility and talent.
Najee Harris said himself that he thought the 49ers would have selected him before the trade happened.
The 49ers could trade up for him but it will likely be too late. Look for the Miami (18th), Washington (19th) or Pittsburgh (24th) to be in the running for Najee.
My Pick: Michael Carter
Though he's 5'8', Michael Carter's vision and pass-catching prowess makes him a perfect fit in San Francisco. Carter shined in the Senior Bowl scoring one TD with 8 carriers for 60 yards, and we know how much John Lynch's history with Senior Bowl standouts like Javon Kinlaw and Deebo Samuel.
Michael Carter's style of play could very well balance out Mostert and JWJ's physical brand of football, giving defenses a change of pace that can work to Shanahan's advantage.
Don't be fooled by his small frame. He is elusive, not afraid of contact, and bursts through holes without hesitation.
If Kyle Shanahan feels that another team may steal his running back draft crush, do not be surprised if he urges Lynch to make the move up like he has done many, many times.
Niners just signed Wayne Gallman to 1 yr deal...I doubt they'll trade up for any RB this draft. They could still draft one, although they've had good luck with UDFA's, too. Nice position to be in going into the draft.
Great call on Michael Carter. Would be the perfect 3rd down back for the Niners. Good physical and elusive runner who can also contribute as a receiver. A bargain late in round 3.
Depends when they draft him. Don't see him being picked in the 2nd or third round-Najee, niners doing their due diligence in case he slides to the second or a smoke screen.
Several former 49ers named among 173 nominees for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024
By Site Staff
Sep 19
The Pro Football Hall of Fame named the 173 nominees for its Class of 2024. Several former San Francisco 49ers players are on the list, as Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area pointed out.
Pro Football Hall of Fame nominees include ex-49ers Jeff Garcia, Ricky Watters, Charlie Garner, Brian Westbrook, Anquan Boldin, Justin Smith, Dana Stubblefield, Ted Washington, NaVorro Bowman, Takeo Spikes, Patrick Willis, Lee Woodall, Julian Peterson, Merton Hanks, Tim McDonald.— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 19,
Why 49ers Nick Bosa appears "sluggish" through two games
By Chris Beno
Sep 19
After missing this year's OTA's and Training Camp in a hold out effort for a new contract, San Francisco 49ers All-Pro Defensive End Nick Bosa finally became the highest paid defensive player in NFL history, just days before the team's week one matchup against the Pittsburg Steelers. Bosa signed a five-year $170 million extension with the team.
It's easy to say Bosa's slow start in that week one matchup was due to his holdout and lack of football activity with the team this offseason. However, to say that sluggishness carried over into their week two matchup against their division rival Los Angeles Rams isn't entirely true. Far too often players (especially defensive players) are critiqued on stats alone. While stats help players earn end of the year accolades, they don't
"They are basically fielding the NFL All-Pro team": Where the 49ers stand in Week 3 power rankings
By David Bonilla
Sep 19
The San Francisco 49ers have now won 12 consecutive regular-season games, just three games shy of tying the 15-game record set between the 1989 and 1990 seasons. Sunday's 30-23 win against the Los Angeles Rams may not have been the prettiest of victories, but Kyle Shanahan's squad improved to 2-0 on the season and sit alone atop the NFC West.
The 49ers managed to beat their division rival despite quarterback Brock Purdy having arguably his most unimpressive game as a starter. He finished the game 17-of-25 for 206 yards and a passer rating of 93.1, a new regular-season career-low as a starter.
Meanwhile, running back Christian McCaffrey leads the NFL with 268 rushing yards and ranks second only to wide receiver Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings in
One reason why Deebo Samuel and the 49ers love Brock Purdy
By David Bonilla
Sep 19
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy wasn't perfect on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, yet the team was talented and disciplined enough to beat its division rivals 30-23.
Purdy had arguably his worst game as a starter. The second-year quarterback earned an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 65.1, his lowest regular-season mark since Week 13 of 2022. He finished the game 17-of-25 for 206 yards and a passer rating of 93.1, a new regular-season career-low as a starter. The stat line might have been better had Purdy connected on a few passes to open receivers that were overthrown.
After the game, when asked about the offense's shortcomings against the Rams, Purdy
