49ers’ 2018 ‘Who Is?’ series: Running back Jeff Wilson
By Peter Panacy
Niner Noise’s 2018 “Who Is?” series on San Francisco 49ers players nears its end, this time looking at rookie running back Jeff Wilson and his chances to make the 53-man roster cut this season.
The San Francisco 49ers‘ running back depth chart is already crowded enough without having to consider 2018 undrafted free-agent additions.
That’s the situation former North Texas tailback Jeff Wilson faces heading into Niners training camp, which starts on July 25.
Wilson was pretty productive over his collegiate career, particularly as a senior, where he averaged 6.5 yards per carry and tallying 16 touchdowns over 11 games:
| Rush | Rush | Rush | Rush | Rece | Rece | Rece | Rece | Scri | Scri | Scri | Scri | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Class | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| 2014 | North Texas | FR | RB | 9 | 50 | 224 | 4.5 | 1 | 5 | 41 | 8.2 | 1 | 55 | 265 | 4.8 | 2 |
| 2015 | North Texas | SO | RB | 10 | 154 | 829 | 5.4 | 1 | 12 | 71 | 5.9 | 0 | 166 | 900 | 5.4 | 1 |
| *2016 | North Texas | JR | RB | 11 | 169 | 936 | 5.5 | 14 | 29 | 247 | 8.5 | 1 | 198 | 1183 | 6.0 | 15 |
| Career | North Texas | 373 | 1989 | 5.3 | 16 | 46 | 359 | 7.8 | 2 | 419 | 2348 | 5.6 | 18 |
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 7/18/2018.
| Rush | Rush | Rush | Rush | Rece | Rece | Rece | Rece | Scri | Scri | Scri | Scri | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Class | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| *2017 | North Texas | SR | RB | 11 | 188 | 1215 | 6.5 | 16 | 24 | 168 | 7.0 | 0 | 212 | 1383 | 6.5 | 16 |
| Career | North Texas | 188 | 1215 | 6.5 | 16 | 24 | 168 | 7.0 | 0 | 212 | 1383 | 6.5 | 16 |
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 7/18/2018.
And while his NFLDraftScout.com bio lists him at 208 pounds, it appears as if he’s slimmed down a bit — 194 pounds, as now listed on 49ers.com.
Size might be a question mark for Wilson, who’ll have to use his positive traits to stand a chance to crack the team’s 53-man roster this season.
Here’s what he’ll have to do.
Why Jeff Wilson Improves in 2018
One of the things that stands out about Wilson is his vision — an essential part of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s zone-style offense.
Here’s what his DraftAnalyst.com profile says about his positives:
"Displays quickness in his hands, immediately finds running lanes and shows burst through the hole. Patient, multi-cut ball carrier who strings multiple moves together and possesses the agility necessary to turn the corner. Keeps his feet moving on contact and works runs. Nicely adjusts to errant throws as a pass catcher and extends his hands to snatch passes away from his frame. Picks up and stays with blocking assignments."
Speaking of those pass-catching abilities (another Shanahan must-have), Wilson managed 70 receptions over his four seasons at North Texas, showing he’s more than just a running threat.
On top of that, he showcased some excellent cutback ability, which should bode well for his chances.
Why He Regresses
Wilson ran a 4.57 40-yard time at his pro day, which is a little slower than most coaches would ideally like. Particularly if he’s not going to win with his strength and physicality.
Another problem Wilson experienced in college was ball security. Per NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, Wilson fumbled once every 33 carries, which was a similar issue current Niners tailback Joe Williams experienced both in college and during his first training camp back in 2017.
And that certainly led to Williams being redshirted his rookie season. San Francisco likely won’t display the same sort of patience for a UDFA like Wilson, should that trend continue.
Combine that with his below-average strength and size, and it’s not hard to see why Wilson, at best, is merely a project piece the 49ers spend little time trying to develop this season.
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Chances of Making the 49ers’ 53-Man Roster in 2018
Not good.
The 49ers are pretty stacked atop the running back depth chart. Runners Jerick McKinnon and Matt Breida are all but guaranteed a roster spot. Williams and special teams ace Raheem Mostert are likely gunning it out for the No. 3 spot this season.
What this means is Wilson is likely going to compete with running back Jeremy McNichols, who spent the vast majority of his 2017 rookie year on San Francisco’s practice squad before being promoted to the active roster in late November. Both are likely looking at another shot at the practice squad again in 2018, unless one impresses enough to be grabbed by another squad after the preseason.
You’ll likely see Wilson get some carries late during preseason games, potentially splitting time with McNichols during the 49ers’ final exhibition on Aug. 30.
Next: 49ers 2018 offseason positional preview: Running back
Just don’t expect him to be anywhere close to the 53-man roster in 2018.