49ers: 5 biggest unlikely heroes from 2019 regular season

No. 1: Running Back Raheem Mostert

There were some arguments the 49ers wouldn’t be able to keep running back and special teams ace Raheem Mostert on the 53-man roster. Not with the team’s stockpiling of other running backs, namely Matt Breida, Jerick McKinnon and Tevin Coleman.

McKinnon reaggravated his 2018 ACL injury before Week 1, however, but that still didn’t give Mostert a significant addition in chances to impact San Francisco’s offense. Those roles primarily were given to both Breida and Coleman instead.

But Breida, again hampered by minor injuries and ball-security issues, lost carries in the second half. Coleman, despite a solid first half of the year, saw his production decrease over the Niners’ final eight regular-season games.

Enter Mostert.

By year’s end, Mostert ended up leading all San Francisco ball carriers with 772 rush yards and eight rushing touchdowns, adding another 180 yards and two touchdowns in the passing game.

And his special teams efforts? Well, they’re still there. According to Pro Football Focus, Mostert’s special teams grade was only 63.0. Removing the two penalties against him on special teams plays, however, his efforts as a speedy gunner would have produced a much higher grade.

Needless to say, Mostert has been a major X-factor and benefactor to San Francisco this season.