NFL Draft: Why RB Rashaad Penny is a prospect the 49ers should consider in 2018

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has a knack for grabbing running backs in the later rounds of the NFL Draft. And San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny should be a prime target.

The San Francisco 49ers are going to have some question marks at running back this offseason.

Chief among them is what to do about the veteran, Carlos Hyde. Hyde, unsigned in 2018, led the Niners offense in yards from scrimmage (1,288) last season. But he’ll also be 28 years old early this upcoming campaign.

If he walks, one player head coach Kyle Shanahan and running backs coach Bobby Turner should consider in the 2018 NFL Draft is San Diego State runner Rashaad Penny.

Penny, 5-foot-11 and 220 pounds, has a bit more bulk to his frame than one-year pro Matt Breida, who will assuredly be a part of San Francisco’s offensive plans this year. And while Penny didn’t exactly face off against the stiffest competition at San Diego State, it’s impossible to avoid looking at the statistical impact from his four years there:

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 1/28/2018.

He’s a workhorse back, plain and simple. And his numbers through the air do enough to suggest he’d be a viable pass-catching option in Shanahan’s offense.

So why should San Francisco target him?

Breaking Down the Scouting Reports

Despite his larger frame, Penny actually has some pretty solid breakaway speed, making him a tough tackling assignment once he creates some separation away from the defensive line.

You can get an idea of this kind of ability in the video below:

Our friend, Jon Dove over at With the First Pick, broke down some of the positive attributes Penny brings to the table:

"Penny does a good job locating the open running lanes and is able to accelerate through the hole. He also has that 2nd gear that allows him to outpace angles and finish off the longer runs. These skills also show up in the return game where Penny is a major asset.He has experience as both a kick and punt returner. His return skills will absolutely help him earn some immediate playing time at the next level.Penny’s vision in the run game helps him make the most out of each carry. He has the lateral quickness needed to use a jump cut and work to the edges. His speed really jumps out when he attacks the edge as he is able to outpace angles to turn the corner."

Pay attention to two of those traits — acceleration and lateral quickness.

Shanahan’s offense is predicated on speed. His outside-zone blocking system requires tailbacks to visually identify which lanes are opening up, quickly making decisions to cut and exploit the gap at the opportune moment.

This is precisely what Penny can do, and that skill set — regardless of the level of competition in college — should be vital within the NFL ranks.

Penny isn’t exactly a top-notch pass blocker, as Dove points out. But that’s a technique issue, and one that can be taught simply enough.

Rashaad Penny’s NFL Draft Stock, Where the 49ers Would Grab Him

NFLDraftScout.com has Penny slated to go in Round 2 of the NFL Draft, likely later in the round, while CBS Sports lists him the No. 118 overall prospect.

Penny’s stock surely rose, though, at the 2018 Senior Bowl, where he ended up being one of the most notable contributors.

Former Niner Noise contributor, working now with Niners Wire, Jerod Brown was on hand and had the following to say about Penny’s efforts:

"Penny didn’t separate himself in practice like many hoped, but he’s an absolute gamer. When it’s game time, Penny has no problem producing. He tallied 137 scrimmage yards in Saturday’s game and will be a Day 2 selection in April’s draft that the 49ers should consider adding to second-year backs Matt Breida and Joe Williams."

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It’s hard to speculate whether or not he’ll be available, falling into Round 3, where the Niners own pick Nos. 70 (Chicago Bears) and 74.

If Penny falls, though, one could bet good money Shanahan and Turner make the selection here.

Either way, Penny’s abilities certainly fit what the 49ers are doing on the ground, offensively. His cutback abilities, workhorse strength and speed make him a unique fit.

Next: 5 Senior Bowl prospects the 49ers should have watched

And if San Francisco can match value, selecting Penny could wind up being yet another NFL Draft steal for the red and gold.