Running back depth is needed under Shanahan
SF could take flier on another back
Who runs the football is as fascinating as how much and how far when it comes to the 49ers' multi-dimentional offense.
Could be a traditional running back. Could be a former special-teams speedster. Could be a 1,000yard wide receiver, or, yes, a dual-threat quarterback.
The quantity of options is dizzying for defenses. It also takes a toll on the depth chart, hence the need for Deebo Samuel to step in at midseason last year and flourish while injuries depleted the running back corps.
Converting quarterback Trey Lance to a fulltime role will add an extra dimension to the 49ers' rushing capabilities. Heck, maybe he'll be their sixth different leading rusher in as many seasons under Kyle Shanahan.
Drafting two running backs last year came as a surprise, but Elijah Mitchell (sixth round) and Trey Sermon (third round) were promptly needed once Raheem Mostert's 49ers' tenure ended four snaps into the season.
This 49ers' regime drafted only one running back the previous four seasons — 2017 fourth-round flop Joe Williams — so they may not devote one of their nine picks in this draft to the position. If so, a Day 3 flier on a multi-talented speedster fits the bill.
Former running backs coach Bobby Turner has been instrumental in canvassing prospects each draft, but he's taking a 2022 sabbatical for health issues, and Anthony Lynn has taken his place.
Let's set the stage in case the 49ers chase a running back in the April 28-30 draft (or, more likely, afterward with undrafted prospects):
Cream of the crop
KENNETH WALKER III, MICHIGAN STATE >> Don't be shocked if no running gets drafted in the first round, for the first time since the 2013 and '14 drafts. But Walker has the best credentials (Doak Walker Award; AP All-American) after excelling at Michigan State. His 5-foot-9, 211-pound body ran for 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns.
49ers connection
BREECE HALL, IOWA STATE >> This All-American from Iowa State is a cousin of 49ers legend Roger Craig. Hall (5-11, 217) rushed for a touchdown in each of his final 24 games, a NCAA record. He had 20 multitouchdown and 100-yard games. His NFL connection also extends to his stepfather, Jeff Smith, a former running back with the Chiefs and Bucs.
'Bama backs
Look around NFL backfields and you'll see Alabama products, such as Derrick Henry (Titans), Najee Harris (Steelers) and Josh Jacobs (Raiders). Well, the 49ers reportedly will host Alabama's Brian Robinson next week, and he certainly had the productivity to fit the Crimson Tide's lineage (1,343 rushing yards, 296 receiving yards last season). A former backup to Robinson at Alabama is Jerome Ford, who transferred to Cincinnati in 2020 and thrived for the Bearcats last year.
Speed thrills
Mitchell ran the 40-yard dash in under 4.4 seconds at his Louisiana pro day last year before bringing that speed to the 49ers'. Here are the 10 fastest 40yard dash times from the NFL scouting combine: Pierre Dash (South Dakota State) 4.37 seconds, Isiah Pacheco (Rutgers) 4.37, Ty Chandler (North Carolina) 4.38, Walker (Michigan State) 4.38, D'vonte Price (Florida International) 4.38, Hall (Iowa State) 4.39, Zamir White (Georgia) 4.40, James Cook (Georgia) 4.42, Tyler Goodson (Iowa) 4.42, Trestan Ebner (Baylor) 4.43.
Versatile weapons
What if the Deebo Samuel-role gets reversed, and the 49ers want their top running back to become a go-to receiver, a la the aforementioned Craig, the NFL's first 1,000/1,000 rusher/receiver in a season in 1985?
Well, there's James Cook, who totaled 1,503 rushing yards and 730 receiving yards in four years at Georgia. His older brother is Vikings' star Dalvin Cook.
Or check out Texas A&M's Isaiah Spiller, who averaged close to 1,000 rushing and 200 receiving yards in each of his three seasons.
Other proven dual threats in 2021: Badie (1,604 rushing/330 receiving), Hall (1,464/302), BYU's Tyler Algeier (1,601/199), Robinson(1,343/296), Duke's Mataeo Durant (1,241/249), Notre Dame's Kyren Williams (1,002/359), UNLV's Charles Williams (1,261/202), Ariona State's Rasheed White (1,006/334), Baylor's Trestan Ebner (799/284).
Draft `experts' view
“Two running backs will go in Round 2. This is not a talented and deep running back group at all. After the top two, there is a huge drop off. … This running back class is very mediocre overall.” —Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
“I love this running back group. Again, I don't think there's going to be one that goes in the first round. I think this is a really deep group. … You're going to get a great back in the fourth round, especially if you want a bigger back” — Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network.