49ers 2019 NFL Draft: 5 prospects who would make perfect sense

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ATHENS, GA – SEPTEMBER 7: D’Andre Swift #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Murray State Racers at Sanford Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

The 49ers have invested a lot of money into their running back rotations to make it one of the best in the league.

That was the theory, at least. The reality has been slightly different.

Jerick McKinnon (knee) is back on injured reserve, and it’s a relevant question if he’s ever going to see a down with San Francisco.

Tevin Coleman was injured on the first play this season also. While his season isn’t over, Coleman is on a relatively cheap deal (two years, $8.5 million, according to Over The Cap) and the team isn’t married to him as the starter.

Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert have a lot of talent, but it’s unknown if they can shoulder a full load as the lead back.

If the 49ers decide to add a dynamic piece to the backfield, D’Andre Swift is the best running back in the 2020 class.

Swift has made a fast start to the season with 16 carries for 149 yards versus Vanderbilt, and six carries for 67 yards and two touchdowns against Murray State. He had 163 carries for 1,049 yards and 10 touchdowns rushing last year, as well as 32 catches for 297 yards and three touchdowns receiving.

Swift has several strengths to his game which suits the 49ers. He’s fast, powerful, waits for his running lanes to open and is a weapon in the backfield. While it’s hard to know what his ceiling is on draft day, he looks a certain first-round selection right now.

The only question is if the Niners would consider a running back so high. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has shown a preference to build the position later on, or through free agency, but a weapon like Swift could be too good to pass up.