49ers big board for 2020 NFL Draft: Bowl games edition
856. . Running Back. Cowboys . Chuba Hubbard. 19. player
Pros:
- Good size for the professional ranks
- Has a good balance of size, speed and power
- Would fit into a committee system
- Has the ability to contribute in the passing game
Cons:
- Doesn’t possess lightning speed nor fits as a power runner
- A second-round pick may be too early to draft a running back for Kyle Shanahan
- Isn’t an exceptionally tough runner, prefers to run out of bounds rather than fight for extra yards
- Is a big liability in blocking
While the 49ers successfully employ a committee approach to the running game, there are some questions over the personnel currently being used.
Jerick McKinnon has never been able to play a down for the Niners, Matt Breida is talented but injury prone, Raheem Mostert has never had to be the guy in his career, Jeff Wilson is solid but a rotational piece only and Tevin Coleman has had flashes of brilliance but has mostly been mediocre in San Francisco.
The 49ers are not committed to anybody in this system, so they’re free to upgrade the rotation as they see fit. Chuba Hubbard had a breakout year at Oklahoma State, and could be a good fit for the rotation.
Hubbard has had 309 carries for 1,936 yards (a 6.3 yards-per-carry average) and a whopping 21 touches. He also has 21 receptions for 183 yards for the season.
Hubbard’s greatest strength is his balance as a runner. While not possessing either blazing speed nor overwhelming power, he has functional speed and power for the next level. He has vision, patiently waiting for blocks to develop and holes to form.
In addition, he can contribute in the passing game as a weapon out of the backfield. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo likes spreading the ball around, so offensive weapons are a much better fit when they can catch the ball.
The two big weaknesses for Hubbard is his toughness and his blocking. Hubbard has not shown a mean streak with the ball, and does not fight for extra yards like wide receiver Deebo Samuel or tight end George Kittle.
Hubbard also has no ability to block, often being a liability at Oklahoma State. If he is on the field in passing downs, it’s as a receiving weapon only and not as an extra blocker.
Draft range: Second/third round
Another potential target if the 49ers choose to trade down, the question is if they like Hubbard as a potential addition to their running back committee.
Seeming a jack of all trades and master of none, it remains to be seen if the Niners will be fans of his.