49ers’ NFL Draft preview: New running backs coming to challenge Mostert, Wilson?
To get a better look at the 49ers’ roster and their NFL Draft needs, we’re taking a daily look at position groups. Today’s offering: Running back
WHO’S HERE
Starters: Raheem Mostert, Kyle Juszczyk (FB). Backups: Jeff Wilson Jr., JaMycal Hasty, Austin Walter, Josh Hokit (FB)
2021 OUTLOOK
The 49ers have had a different rushing leader each of Kyle Shanahan’s four seasons as coach, but Mostert, if healthy, should have the best shot at becoming the 49ers’ first 1,000-yard rusher since Frank Gore’s 2014 finale as the franchise rushing king. Wilson certainly has shown the capabilities to fill a marquee role. Most likely, Mostert and Wilson split carries. Neither are signed beyond 2021, however, so a lot is hedging on their contract year.
Carrying five running backs on the roster seems like a necessary burden because of inescapable injuries, so the 49ers need to add more competition, all due respect to young rushers Hasty and Walter.
Re-signing Juszczyk was paramount for this running game’s success so the 49ers are feeling great about their offense’s potential. But Juszczyk shouldn’t be their short-yardage specialist, and that role could be filled by a hard-nosed rusher and/or a veteran who comes in ahead of camp.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“I’m so happy for Mike and his promotion to OC. He absolutely deserves it. Nobody better suited for that role, working for Kyle. They’re like one mind. They think so similarly and complement each other so well. It had a huge influence on me coming back.” – Juszczyk, on Mike McDaniel assuming the offensive coordinator title after serving as the run-game coordinator.
DRAFT EXPECTATIONS
Alabama’s Najee Harris thought he might be in the 49ers’ plans, until they traded up from No. 12 to 3. True, a running back did go top-3 recently (Saquon Barkley, No. 2 to the Giants in 2018) but the 49ers won’t exhaust all their draft capital to take a running back in the first round such as Harris or Clemson’s Travis Etienne.
With eight other draft picks, the 49ers could go after another speedster, and qualifying for that heat are the likes of Kenneth Gainwell (Memphis, 4.44-second 40-yard dash), Javian Hawkins (Louisville, 4.45), Elijah Mitchell (Louisiana-Lafayette, 4.33), Kene Nwangwu (Iowa State, 4.31) and Pooka Williams Jr. (Kansas, 4.42), according to times from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler.
Running backs coach Bobby Turner annually hits the phones hard to keep track of candidates, so one of the best things to anticipate is who he’ll endorse next. All four running backs currently on the roster went undrafted.
LOCAL OPTION
Harris (Alabama; Antioch High School)
PRIORITY (Scale: 1 to 10)
7