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49ers’ 2018 ‘Who Is?’ series: Running back Jerick McKinnon

By Peter Panacy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings avoids a tackle by Kendrick Bourne #6 of the San Francisco 49ers in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings avoids a tackle by Kendrick Bourne #6 of the San Francisco 49ers in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 9: Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates during the first quarter of the game on October 9, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 9: Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates during the first quarter of the game on October 9, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Expected Role with the 49ers This Season

The 49ers offense already looked promising towards the tail end of 2017. Jerick McKinnon provides a serious upgrade — a player capable of fitting better in Kyle Shanahan’s offense as well as operating as a legitimate pass catcher.

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Those two traits, combined with a revamped offensive line, could transform the Niners into shades of Shanahan’s offense with the Atlanta Falcons back in 2016.

Yes, San Francisco has a long way to go before reaching that lofty mark. But McKinnon should help those matters immensely. He’s diverse, reads defenses well and has the combination of elusiveness and strength to make him a tough assignment.

You won’t see McKinnon operate as a three-down back this season. That’s simply not Shanahan’s mantra. McKinnon likely splits time with Breida or, perhaps, Williams. But one should expect McKinnon to get the majority of carries for the 49ers in 2018.

As far as the numbers go, it’s not out of the question to see McKinnon rush for 1,000 yards this season. If he reaches that mark, it would be the first time a Niners tailback crested that point since Frank Gore did so back in 2014.

Don’t lose sight of McKinnon’s pass-catching abilities either. Reaching for 350 yards should be little problem.

Next: Breaking down 49ers' running back depth chart for 2018

And by doing so, San Francisco’s offense will turn from respectable to dynamic very quickly in 2018.