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The San Francisco 49ers faced some unfortunate news this week as starting running back Christian McCaffrey was a non-participant in two of the week's three practices, although he was present on Friday and ultimately taken off the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Additionally, running back Elijah Mitchell missed the entire week of practice after sustaining a groin injury in last weekend's game against the Dallas Cowboys, with his status being questionable.
Regardless, San Francisco has an issue at running back with the limited nature of both key players, which means they'll need an adjustment against a tough Philadelphia team on Sunday.
The answer to their issues? Deebo. Samuel.
Deebo Samuel is the 49ers' most powerful player in terms of physicality, and his level of force has single-handedly won games. Remember the 2021-2022 NFC Divisional Game? Deebo Samuel sealed the game with a carry on... 3rd & 7, securing the 49ers a first down and a win.
The 49ers are going to need to impose their physicality on the Eagles, especially if Philadelphia executes a gameplan similar to San Francisco's previous two opponents: stacking players in the box to dare Brock Purdy to throw the football, trusting their cornerbacks in coverage.
Samuel is the perfect solution for that gameplan as his ability with the ball in his hands is unmatched; he's able to break tackles and accelerate in space, while playing the multi-dimensional role of a wideback.
Especially if Elijah Mitchell cannot play at 100%, Samuel should take a bigger role, be it out of the backfield or with screen passes, taking the game to the Eagles and forcing them to tackle.
Watching last weekend's game, it's clear that Christian McCaffrey wasn't at 100%, as his explosiveness was limited with the calf injury, while Mitchell looked banged up at times as well.
Could that mean a potential role for rookie running back Jordan Mason, who hasn't seen the field, outside of garbage time against the Seattle Seahawks in the wildcard round?
These questions should be answered as the game nears, but one thing is clear: the 49ers will need to find a way to create their level of physicality if their two top running backs aren't at 100%. And, Deebo Samuel is the clearest answer to that problem.
You have the dumbest takes. CMC isn't even on the injury report. You have been brainwashed that Philly is good. They havent played a team like the 49ers but 49ers have played a team like Philly. I should correct that eagles have played teams like the 49ers and got beat
49ers address 'sneaky need' in latest 7-round mock draft
By David Bonilla
Apr 22
As draft week unfolds, analysts are unveiling their final mock drafts heading into the annual event. The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, and ESPN's Jordan Reid released a behemoth of a mock draft, projecting all 257 selections across all seven rounds.
The ESPN analyst has the Washington Commanders leaping in front of the San Francisco 49ers in the first round to select one of the top offensive tackle prospects, leaving John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan's squad to take a different approach.
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The San Francisco 49ers mainly focused on fortifying their defense in free agency, leaving many to believe that the 2024 NFL Draft will be their chance to upgrade the offensive line.
Most mock drafts predict the 49ers will select the best offensive tackle available to bolster the line's weak link—the right side—and potentially provide a succession plan for 35-year-old left tackle Trent Williams.
Pro Football Focus recently examined each team's biggest need heading into the draft's first round and unsurprisingly listed offensive line for the 49ers.
"The 49ers likely won't have the luxury of selecting the top offensive lineman with the 31st pick, but they can still find a quality player to improve a unit that was inconsistent in pass
Breaking down the 49ers drafts under John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan
By Marc Adams
Apr 20
We are less than one week away from the NFL Draft, and the San Francisco 49ers have their first day-one draft pick since 2021. That was the year they selected QB Trey Lance number three overall. The trade-up to get Lance cost the 49ers their first-round picks in 2022 and 2023. And now that they are back in the first round, at pick 31, fans are anxious to see what the team does with the pick. And with former assistant GM, Adam Peters, now in Washington, it will be interesting to see how well the 49ers draft without Peters in the room.
We looked back at the seven drafts GM John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan have led to see what information we could pull from those drafts. There were plenty of hits, plenty of misses, and a few surprises along the way. The draft picks are
49ers address both sides of the ball in Kiper and Yates 3-round mock draft
By David Bonilla
Apr 15
We're just 10 days away from the start of the 2024 NFL Draft. While many gain more confidence about their projections for the top of the first round, the picture of what might happen further down remains murky. Most predict the San Francisco 49ers will use their first selection, No. 31 overall, on an offensive lineman. However, an early run on the position may alter those plans. The 49ers may address another position, or they may have to move up to secure a top prospect.
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates recently revealed a joint three-round mock draft, examining the top 100 selections and forecasting
