Jordan James, a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, appeared to have an early edge in the competition. However, the 49ers added another intriguing talent this offseason by selecting Kaelon Black in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Now, Black could have an opportunity to gain ground—or even overtake James in the race for the RB2 role—after James suffered a rib fracture during Monday's practice. Following the injury, Black took the majority of James' reps.
After Wednesday's practice, McCaffrey was asked about his rookie teammate, who has drawn praise throughout the offseason. The All-Pro running back highlighted Black's maturity and professional approach.
"He's a pro," McCaffrey said. "He came in, and you can tell he's mature. You can tell he knows how to work, he knows how to learn. And he's made of the right stuff, so he complements our room, our team really well."
Black will turn 25 in October and is looking like a mature player—for a rookie. Right tackle Colton McKivitz has also been impressed by Black's decisive running style, noting that it benefits the offensive line.
"When you get young guys that come in and can just hit the hole and hit it fast, and there's no question on second-guessing or chopping their feet in the hole, it makes our job a lot easier," McKivitz said. "... When they're coming in right now, running as hard as they are, they've got great leadership in that room with [running backs coach] Bobby [Turner] and [McCaffrey], so it's nice to see it early on."
McCaffrey believes Black's maturity will serve him well as he adjusts to the NFL and competes for an early role in the 49ers offense.
"You can definitely see it," McCaffrey said. "You can tell he's played at a high level of football. He's played mature football. Again, I can't say enough good things. He's exactly what you would want a rookie to come in and be like.
"And again, I think our whole running back room is great, and he complements it so well in the way he runs. I think when you look at him, his rookie year, and then you go look at me in my rookie year, they look very different in age."
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