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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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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter 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: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter 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) /

49ers Running Back Roster Predictions and Depth Chart

We know who the first two are going to be, but who will be the third man on the depth chart?

This is how it possibly could play out:

  • Jerick McKinnon
  • Matt Breida
  • Joe Williams

Projected backups in italics.

Williams is a pick of the John Lynch regime, and I see him taking the third spot with his obvious talent. He has the eye of the coaching staff, and he’ll fight with the desperation of someone who knows his best, and perhaps last, chance to be a significant player in the NFL rests here.

I don’t see the 49ers changing from last season. I believe they will stick with three backs for the upcoming season, which will see Mostert, McNichols and Wilson cut from the active roster, although expect to see a back on the practice squad.

Next: 49ers’ 2018 offseason positional preview: Offensive line

Although the actual group of backs aren’t all that different from last season, don’t be surprised if the pecking order is radically different on the bottom of the depth chart as well as the start.