NFL
49ers Running Back Competition
The San Francisco 49ers running back competition is expected to heat up over the coming weeks. With the 2018 NFL season fast approaching, training camp is due to commence for all NFL teams. The 49ers depth chart is currently stacked with six running backs, some of which will unfortunately not make the cut.
The offseason saw 49ers 2017 starting running back Carlos Hyde agree to a deal with the Cleveland Browns. While Hyde did express his hopes to remain a Niner, he wasn’t quite the fit coach Kyle Shanahan was looking for to supplement his offensive scheme.
Both Shanahan and general manager John Lynch expressed interest in Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon. The 49ers beat out the New York Jets in signing the 26-year-old to a four-year contract worth up to $36.9 million with $14.3 million guaranteed.
While it is locked in that McKinnon will be the new starting running back, there is still stiff competition for players to secure those 2nd and 3rd string positions. With Shanahan placing his hopes on McKinnon to lead an effective run game, will Jerick “The Jet” McKinnon launch?
Current running back competition on the 49ers roster include:
Starters
Jerick McKinnon
McKinnon is exactly the type of player that Shanahan has envisioned to fit his complex scheme. Unlike Hyde, McKinnon is effective in both the rush and pass game. During the 2017 season, McKinnon played 16 games for 150 carries, 570 rushing yards averaging 3.8 yards per carry and 3 TDs.
He had 51 receptions for 421 receiving yards and two TDs. While not huge numbers, McKinnon was never utilized as the feature running back during his time with the Vikings. Only time will tell if he lives up to the hype currently surrounding him.
Matt Breida
Breida had an outstanding rookie season with the Niners. While not receiving the playing time that Hyde did, he did put up some reasonable numbers beating Hyde in both rushing and receiving average yards. Breida played 16 games for 105 carries, 465 rushing yards averaging 4.4 yards per carry and two TDs.
He had 21 receptions for 180 receiving yards averaging 8.6 yards per reception and one TD. Breida is likely to retain the number two overall position if he can beat out competition from Joe Williams and Raheem Mostert.
In The Hunt
Joe Williams
Here is where the running back competition will be heating up. Williams was taken in the 4th round of the 2017 NFL draft. Shanahan had high hopes for the 24-year-old running back; however an ankle injury placed him on the injured reserve list for the 2017 season.
During the pre-season games, Williams displayed a fairly lackluster performance. Williams played all four pre-season games for a total of 25 carries, 130 rushing yards, and three fumbles. However, Williams will be one to watch as he joins the competition for the 49ers running back position.
Raheem Mostert
Mostert predominantly played on special teams for the 2017 season being utilized on occasion in the running back position. Mostert played 11 games for six carries, 30 rushing yards averaging 5.0 yards per carry with 0 TDs.
While he will still compete against Williams for the 3rd string position, Mostert’s best chance of retaining a position in the 53 man roster will come down to his excellent ability to contribute in Special Teams.
Unlikely
Jeremy McNichols
McNichols jumped into the spotlight when he featured in 2017’s Hard Knocks with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although he didn’t shine and found it difficult on occasion to string things together, the Buccaneers believed he showed enough potential to earn a position on their practice squad.
McNichols, however, took up the opportunity to sign with the 49ers instead. McNichols had 0 carries in the 2017 season. While it is likely that McNichols will be unable to secure a starting role, it will be interesting to see if he can retain a practice squad position.
Jeffery Wilson
Wilson was signed to the 49ers as an undrafted free agent out of North Texas. Wilson played 41 games with North Texas for 562 carries, 3205 rushing yards, and 32 TDs. He had 70 receptions for 527 receiving yards with 2 TDs.
While Wilson is capable of both rushing and receiving. However at this stage, unless he blows the competition out of the water at training camp, his best hope will be to obtain a position on the Niners practice squad.
As the 49ers training camp begins to unfold over the coming weeks, this playing group will be one to keep your eyes on.
