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If the 49ers Go Running Back in the First Round, Who Should They Take?

By JD Leidy

Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for a photo during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for a photo during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 15, 2016; Hollywood, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey poses during Pac-12 media day at Hollywood & Highland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 15, 2016; Hollywood, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey poses during Pac-12 media day at Hollywood & Highland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Complete Offensive Weapon (COW) Score

COW Table 2
COW Table 2 /

In signing FB Kyle Juszczyk this offseason, both 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch made reference to their desire to have as many offensive weapons, or “OWs,” on the field at the same time as possible.

Applying that same philosophy to the upcoming draft class of running backs yields the Complete Offensive Weapon or “COW” scores above. The lower the score, the better.

Sep 17, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the USC Trojans with Cardinal offensive tackle Casey Tucker (77) during the first half of a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the USC Trojans with Cardinal offensive tackle Casey Tucker (77) during the first half of a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

McCaffrey is the COW of this year’s running back draft class. As shifty as they come, McCaffrey also has the flat out speed to take the ball to the house on any given snap. Moreover, his stellar receiving abilities make him an unparalleled dual threat.

Although he is nowhere near the between the tackles runner that Fournette is, he has proven over his college career that he is still capable of getting the tough yards inside. And his ability as a kick/punt returner, something that was not even included in the COW score, make him an even more versatile, and hence valuable, asset.

If, on the other hand, the 49ers’ goal is to simply find a clone of current RB Carlos Hyde, then the 49ers should clearly take the strength leader and all-around consensus “man child” of the draft, Leonard Fournette.

He’s a barrel-chested beast that would make a heck of a one-two punch when paired with fellow bruiser Hyde.

Lastly, the 49ers could do a lot worse than taking the well-rounded Cook. He is a very talented, complete back, and would make an excellent complement to a downhill runner like Hyde. However, with a skill set similar to, but slightly less manifold than, McCaffrey’s, he should be down San Francisco’s board a bit.

To reiterate, the 49ers are not likely to use this year’s No. 2 overall pick on a running back. But, should they decide that trading back and stockpiling future draft picks makes sense, considering one of this year’s top runners makes a heap of sense.

Next: The 49ers and the Myles Garrett Hype Train

In that instance, the 49ers’ draft board should read in the following order: Christian McCaffrey, Leonard Fournette, Dalvin Cook.