"Elijah Mitchell was a sixth-round pick, and who thought he would be able to make an immediate impact?" Brooks said. "Well, the San Francisco 49ers did because this is what they do at the running back position. They typically take late-round picks, and they transform them and make them stars.
"Elijah Mitchell might be the next one to get it done in Kyle Shanahan's offense. He already has over 500 yards, he has three touchdowns, and if you've got a chance to check them out against the Rams, Elijah Mitchell was making it happen."
Mitchell carried the football 27 times for 91 rushing yards in the 31-10 rout of the Rams. That put the rookie at 560 rushing yards and three touchdowns through seven game appearances this season.
"Outstanding vision, one-cut runner," Brooks continued. "Runs behind his pads, so he has great physicality and finishing skills. As the 49ers kind of lean into their running game as their identity, Elijah Mitchell could be a star out west in the Bay Area."
Mitchell is dealing with a finger fracture this week and did not practice on Wednesday. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan is optimistic that the rookie running back could still play on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Below is Brooks' entire top-5 rookie power ranking through Week 10.
- Mac Jones, QB, Patriots
- Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Bengals
- Micah Parsons, LB, Cowboys
- Najee Harris, RB, Steelers
- Elijah Mitchell, RB, 49ers
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers linked to Maxx Crosby through surprising ownership connection
Maxx Crosby has been loosely connected to the San Francisco 49ers in trade speculation. Now, an unexpected off-field development has created a new — albeit indirect — link. Crosby revealed Friday that he has joined the ownership group of Leeds United, a professional soccer... -
Tyreek Hill to the 49ers? San Francisco named a top fit for All-Pro WR
The Miami Dolphins have moved on from wide receiver Tyreek Hill, releasing the veteran nearly five months after he suffered a significant knee injury. Hill underwent surgery to repair the damage, and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has previously stated that the goal is for the star... -
Where 49ers OT Colton McKivitz landed in PFF's top 101 players of 2025
What a difference a season made for San Francisco 49ers right tackle Colton McKivitz. The veteran offensive lineman made his debut on Pro Football Focus' (PFF) list of the top 101 players of the 2025 NFL season, checking in at No. 63 — notably ahead of quarterback Brock... -
Where 49ers QB Brock Purdy landed in PFF's top 101 players of 2025
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy appeared in just nine games during the 2025 NFL season, missing eight contests due to a turf toe injury suffered in Week 1. Still, the former final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft did more than enough to earn recognition from Pro Football...