NFL free agency: Why the 49ers struck gold with Jerick McKinnon
By Joseph Naki
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch stamped his name in the 2018 NFL free agency market, striking gold by landing a dynamic running back in Jerick McKinnon.
The San Francisco 49ers have solved their running back needs by landing former Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon.
Making no secrets how they feel, both general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan displayed no love toward running back Carlos Hyde. Reportedly trying to trade Hyde early into their reign, the 49ers made no bones about seeking an alternative direction at the position.
Even after talks with Hyde’s representatives at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine, Lynch obviously came away from the meeting knowing he would have to move forward.
San Francisco 49ers
Filling a void left behind by Hyde’s departure to the Cleveland Browns, Lynch and Shanahan needed to target a tailback able to fit Shanahan’s offensive attack. They may have planned this pick up all along.
Jerick McKinnon, RB, San Francisco 49ers
On Jan. 21, 2018, after their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game, McKinnon knew he would have to move on from an organization, whose backfield included the promising Dalvin Cook.
Becoming a free agent immediately following the NFC Championship game, McKinnon took his time to say farewell to his comrades in arms by showing love throughout the locker room with his teammates and staff.
Class act.
At 5-foot-9, weighing in at 209 pounds, McKinnon posted a 4.41, 40-yard dash, 32 reps on the bench press and blistered the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine with absolutely sick numbers.
Selected in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft, No. 96 overall, the Minnesota Vikings opened their arms to the Georgia Southern running back.
In 2017, accumulating 421 yards in receiving with 570 yards rushing, McKinnon has proved to be a versatile back trusted with the football in gaining positive yards.
Running an outside-zone ground attack, Shanahan knows McKinnon would be a great addition to his offensive plans. Specifically, getting on the edge and making big plays.
McKinnon’s impact on the team is an immediate one. Matt Breida will share the offensive load. But more importantly, both McKinnon and Breida are able to catch balls out of the backfield. Defenses will have to prepare for both guys, not just focus on one aspect of the run game, which makes Shanahan’s offense incredibly lethal in terms of the passing game.
McKinnon is a good pass blocker too, making him an asset on third downs in both receiving or staying in to pick up blitzes. This is an attribute hard to find in the NFL.
In addressing the immediate need at cornerback, running back and center position, Lynch will probably look to the draft for an edge rusher, linebacker and more help at the guard position.
However, the 2018 NFL Draft will require the 49ers to select another running back most likely. And from Niner Noise contributor Aaron Tan, the 49ers are rumored to Oregon’s RB Royce Freeman and USC’s RB Ronald Jones II as well.
The 49ers are in business and have absolutely struck gold with the signing of McKinnon. We press on with the future looking brighter each day.