49ers Draft Capsule: Running Backs

Running backs are in the draft capsule today. 49ers fans fear Kyle Shanahan will want a new toy, and history says it’s likely. The irony is this may be a good year to do it as this is a deep and talented class. Running back is one of the most stacked positions in this draft.

Tier 1: Day 1 Starters
Top 20 Bijan Robinson (Texas) 5-11/215
Top 50 Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama) 5-9/199
Top 75 Zach Charbonnet (UCLA) 6-0/222
Top 75 Tyjae Spears (Tulane) 5-11/201
Top 75 Devon Achane (Texas A&M) 5-9/188

Robinson is widely considered to be the best back since Saquon Barkley, the question is when is he picked? Eagles fans insist no way Philly takes a back at 10, but Howie Roseman could deal down from 10 and take Bijan in the late teens while adding a 2nd round pick. Detroit could take Bijan, Dallas could trade up for him. Three NFC playoff teams all with a good shot at Robinson. This is an excellent top five.

Tier 2: Rotation Players
Kendre Miller (TCU) 5-11/215
DeWayne McBride (UAB) 5-11/209
Tank Bigsby (Auburn) 5-11/215
Roschon Johnson (Texas) 6-0/219
Sean Tucker (Syracuse) 5-9/207
Deuce Vaughn (Kansas St) 5-5/179
Zach Evans (Ole Miss) 5-11/208
Chase Brown (Illinois) 5-10/209

The depth of the class shows in this Top 100+ group, many would be Tier 1 players in other years. K-State’s Vaughn gets a lot of love, fun player to watch, a 5-5 burner. The Niners could look at a few of these players, Auburn’s Bigsby has size and 4.45 speed. He’s the decisive runner they like, but had fumble issues as a junior and drops in the passing game this year. Johnson has power and good hands but can be an impatient runner that plows through before the hole develops. His YAC is from power not shiftiness.

Tier 3: Potential 49er Targets
Early 4th Keaton Mitchell (East Carolina) 5-8/179 – Mitchell is moving up, speed always rises. A 4.37/1.48 home run hitter who’s fast, sudden, and makes defenders miss. 75 missed tackles forced, his 85 explosive plays (10+ yards) leads the class, 15 TDs on 1,452 yards rushing, and no fumbles. He needs to develop as a receiver and his size will make him an injury risk. Drafting Mitchell could take one of the third-round picks or a brief drop down into the early 4th.

Late 4th-Early 5th Israel Abanikanda (Pittsburgh) 5-10/216 – A size/speed freak at 216 pounds with length and a 4.39 40. He had a productive season with 21 TDs on 1,426 yards. In a draft year of older players, Abanikanda flips the script at 20. However, the negatives add up in part due to limited experience. Not a receiver, high drop rate, not a pass blocker, three fumbles, he goes down on contact leading to low post-hit yardage, and he’s an impatient runner.

Late 4th-Early 5th Eric Gray (Oklahoma) 5-10/207 – Gray is Bobby Turner’s preferred style of back, a cut-and-go runner with good not great speed and the size to absorb contact. He’s a reliable receiver and a great cutter. Of concern to Kyle Shanahan though, he’s weak in pass protection to the point that he misses blitzes.

Late Sleepers in the 7th Round and UDFA
Deneric Prince (Tulsa) 6-0/216 with 4.41 speed, he also showed explosion with a 124 broad jump at the Combine, one of the best marks in the class.

Ronnie Brown (Shepherd) 5-11/187 – Small school that’s also produced quarterback Tyson Bagent. Brown ran 4.45 at his pro day. His highly productive season included 24 TDs on 1,863 yards rushing and 589 yards receiving.

Prediction
The Faithful are shocked as Kyle Shanahan doesn’t draft a running back (knocks on wood).

Even if Shanahan did take a back in the third, Mitchell would be a smart choice, the Niners could use a home run threat. Some talk up the possibility of trading Elijah Mitchell, but here’s the thing. In a deep and talented running back class, why would you trade for an oft-injured back when you can just draft a younger healthy cheaper one? This draft is deepest at tight end, running back, and defensive back.