49ers’ 2018 ‘Who Is?’ series: Running back Raheem Mostert

In this episode of Niner Noise’s “Who Is?” series, we look at San Francisco 49ers special teams ace and running back, Raheem Mostert, and his projected impact for the upcoming 2018 season.

Believe it or not, the San Francisco 49ers boasted one of the best special teams units in the NFL in 2017.

A big reason why was running back and special teams ace, Raheem Mostert.

Mostert landed on injured reserve after appearing in 11 games last season. Prior to that, though, he was named Pro Football Focus‘ top special teams performer over the first quarter of the year.

Not bad, especially considering how much he bounced around the league leading up to the Niners signing him him 2016.

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Generated 6/19/2018.

PFF gave Mostert a plus-6.0 mark for his special teams efforts last season — the highest he had ever achieved since joining the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2015.

And while special teamers often don’t get the love they deserve, the Niners certainly value his presence on this undervalued unit, which should carry over well to his projected role this upcoming season.

So what should fans expect out of Mostert heading into 2018?

Why Raheem Mostert Improves in 2018

As an offensive presence, Mostert doesn’t offer much by the way of production. To date, he has just seven carries for 36 yards in his career, six and 30 of which came with San Francisco last season.

The 49ers likely don’t envision him being a regular ball carrier, particularly behind Nos. 1 and 2 runners Jerick McKinnon and Matt Breida. It’s on special teams where Mostert will earn his role.

At 26 years old, Mostert is just entering his prime. And he certainly thrived in his role under special teams coordinator Richard Hightower. The continuity among the coaches between 2017 and 2018 should do Mostert some good, especially if he’s fully embraced his role.

Why He Might Regress

A year ago, the Niners were more involved in overturning the roster than they were entering 2018. That means a number of the draft and free-agent additions this offseason will be vying for deeper roles, especially on special teams.

Rookies like D.J. Reed, Richie James and Emmanuel Moseley are on the fringes of the roster already, meaning the ability to cash in on special teams abilities will be vital.

San Francisco 49ers

Any of these, as well as second-year running back Joe Williams, could threaten Mostert’s spot. Plus Reed, James and Moseley all have returning experience, of which Mostert’s is relatively limited since 2015.

Chances of Making the 49ers’ 53-Man Roster in 2018

Williams is of particular interest to the pending camp battle with Mostert. Both could easily be vying for the No. 3 running back on San Francisco’s regular-season depth chart. Right now, it seems to be Mostert’s job to lose. Yet a strong camp and preseason from Williams could give him favor over the veteran.

On top of that, Mostert signed a one-year exclusive-rights deal with the Niners for 2018. If cut, the 49ers would be due zero in dead money. And while the financial-savings impact is negligible, it’s pretty clear San Francisco isn’t committed to Mostert for any extended period of time.

All this means is Mostert has to once again prove himself to the coaching staff this offseason. He appears to have the upper hand on Williams, and the possible rookie special teams contributors will have to outwork Mostert between now and the regular season.

This doesn’t make Mostert a lock, per se, but it’s safe to assume he’s on the stronger side of the roster bubble.

Next: Ranking the 49ers' top 10 special teamers of all time

And if he backs up his solid 2017 efforts this year, the Niners will be glad they arranged the depth chart as such.