Niner Noise
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3 roster questions the 49ers will have to answer this offseason

By Logan Stanley

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 01: Joshua Garnett #65 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers ran in for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 01: Joshua Garnett #65 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers ran in for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 11: Running back Joe Williams #32 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball during the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 11: Running back Joe Williams #32 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball during the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

No. 1: The future of running back Joe Williams

In the 2017 NFL Draft, Kyle Shanahan took a gamble. Even though running back Joe Williams was off the team’s board, the head coach vouched for the flashy runner out of Utah. San Francisco ended up using a fourth-round pick on Williams.

Failing to impress in training camp, Williams was stashed away and placed on injured reserve for the year. It was essentially a red-shirt season.

Now, it’s time for Williams to show why Shanahan valued him so highly.

The 49ers brought in Jerick McKinnon in free agency, one of their best acquisitions of the offseason. McKinnon’s the starter, undoubtedly.

Right behind McKinnon is 2017 undrafted gem, Matt Breida, who was the No. 2 back behind Carlos Hyde after surprising many and making roster. Breida’s pretty much entrenched as the backup to McKinnon.

Then there’s Raheem Mostert. While Mostert provides little as a runner, his special teams ability is exceptional. Mostert’s one of the top special teams player in the NFL. Barring injury, I don’t see a scenario where Mostert doesn’t make the roster.

Last season, Shanahan carried three running backs. This would obviously leave out Williams. That means Williams will have to bump out one of those three and McKinnon is going nowhere. So, either Breida or Mostert.

Mostert is the most logical option considering the running ability of Breida, but then again Mostert is a top-tier special teams player. There’s also the chance that Shanahan opts to carry four running backs.

If that were to happen, Williams would have a very good chance of being that No. 4 back. Jeremy McNichols is the only other running back currently on the roster.

Next: Dante Pettis: Why 49ers’ WR will be a player to watch in training camp

What do you think fans, are there any other roster questions you’re curious about?