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49ers’ 2018 offseason positional preview: Running back

By Jeremy Wohlfart

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 29: Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a 21 yard touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 29, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 29: Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a 21 yard touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 29, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/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) /

Running Back with the Most to Prove in 2018: Joe Williams

I could easily have put McKinnon here, as he needs to prove he can be the lead back for a football team. But there’s a difference between proving that and proving you have a career in the NFL.

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Williams was the target of a trade by the 49ers, the fascinating details of which you can read here, but he missed his rookie year as a result of the aforementioned ankle injury.

Although he had the benefit of staying on the roster on injured reserve, he no longer has that luxury. With McKinnon and Breida on the roster, that leaves more than likely a single spot left as the No. 3 back.

It’s not all gloom for Williams, though. Shanahan was full of praise for the improvement he’s shown, and while Williams needs to continue to work on not fumbling the ball, the fact he’s made strides and impressed the coach is a good start.

With absolutely no disrespect intended to Mostert, Williams easily has the ability to beat the journeyman running back as the No. 3 back on the team provided he keeps improving and stays healthy.

The competition will be stiff for that role, but if Williams shows his potential in camp, expect him to start paying back the faith shown in him when the season starts.