49ers’ 2019 53-man roster predictions before training camp
By Peter Panacy
Running Back (5)
Halfback: Tevin Coleman, Matt Breida, Jerick McKinnon, Raheem Mostert
Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk
Like the 49ers’ defensive line and wide receiver crop, Kyle Shanahan is expected to use something of a rotation at running back.
Especially considering this position’s depth.
Typically, most teams don’t carry four halfbacks on a 53-man roster. But Shanahan didn’t pass the opportunity to grab his former standout from the Falcons, Tevin Coleman, in free agency. And Coleman adds a unique skill set tailored to Shanahan’s offense. Coleman likely winds up being the primary tailback in 2019, although Shanahan will divvy up touches for running backs Jerick McKinnon and Matt Breida.
Breida, after all, might be San Francisco’s best pure running back, especially after averaging 5.3 yards per rush last year — good for fourth best among NFL qualifiers.
The excess of running backs could push Raheem Mostert off the roster. But his value on special teams shouldn’t be overstated, and he even managed to make an offensive impact before breaking his forearm in Week 9 last year.