49ers’ 2019 ‘Who Is?’ series: Running back Austin Walter

The San Francisco 49ers grabbed former Rice running back Austin Walter as an undrafted free agent, and he figures to provide some preseason carries in 2019. Not much more.

Rookie running back Austin Walter wasn’t a high-priority undrafted free-agent signing for the San Francisco 49ers following the 2019 NFL Draft.

Indeed, the Niners waited some time before making some roster moves, which ultimately included the former Rice runner being added to San Francisco’s 90-man offseason group.

Walter’s 5-foot-8, 202-pound frame is typical of what the NFL looks for in its running backs lately — someone shorter of stature, capable of serving both as a rusher and a pass catcher out of the backfield.

He did those amicably well during his four seasons at Rice, particularly between 2017 and 2018:

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 7/15/2019.

The 49ers already have a stockpile of running backs heading into 2019 training camp, meaning Walter stands next to zero chance making the cut, barring injury.

That said, his role could be important between now and Week 1.

Why Austin Walter Improves in 2019

San Francisco has experienced some luck in recent seasons with undrafted free agents. Another running back, Matt Breida, is a perfect example. He went from UDFA to a starter in less than two years’ time.

Walter isn’t on the same trajectory, of course. But there are some traits worth evaluating nonetheless.

His abilities as a pass catcher bode well under head coach Kyle Shanahan. His 525 receiving yards in 2018 averaged out to be the second most receiving yards per game among returning FBS running backs. That’s impressive.

Remember, Shanahan has a knack for using his running backs in the passing game, which should serve to allow Walter to take advantage of this already-proven trait.

Why Austin Walter Regresses

Again, the depth chart doesn’t afford Walter a lot of opportunities to see first- or second-team reps during training camp. So that means less exposure in front of Shanahan and running backs coach Bobby Turner.

It also doesn’t help Walter ran a 4.59 40-yard dash during his pro day. Ideally, Walter would have wanted to get under 4.50 to increase his chances. The lack of speed, another Shanahan-preferred trait, is something working against Walter.

Chances of Making the 49ers’ 53-Man Roster in 2019

Walter is squarely on the long-shot list heading into training camp. Unless San Francisco is burdened exceptionally by camp or preseason injuries at running back, Walter won’t be viewed as a viable option.

Even then, the Niners would likely bring in someone else from outside the organization.

At best, Walter is likely competing with another running back, Jeff Wilson, who has some practical experience at the NFL from last season. It’s feasible a strong outing by Walter could push Wilson out of a job, with the rookie possibly winding up on the team’s practice squad to start the year.

That might be Walter’s best-case scenario to hang around.

In the meantime, though, one could also expect Walter to see a number of preseason carries, as those players often see a lot of time with would-be starters and backup running backs seeing hardly any exhibition action.

Maybe Walter winds up being the star of the preseason. Who knows?