49ers 2020 NFL Draft needs: Ranking top 5 running backs

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 27: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs with the ball in the first quarter of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU Tigers (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

No.5: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU Tigers

Clyde Edwards-Helaire was a rising bolter in the draft process, however a poor run at the NFL Scouting Combine may have stopped his momentum a little.

Edwards-Helaire ran a 4.61 time for the 40-yard dash at the combine. By itself that’s not an awful time, but considering he’s only 5-foot-7 and 206 pounds, that’s a slow time for a smaller back.

That being said, it hasn’t killed his stock. He has a chance to still be a first-round selection with a strong pro day, and the 49ers could add him to his rotation.

Where Edwards-Helaire can really contribute is the passing game. He had 55 receptions for 453 yards and a touchdown last season at LSU to go with his 1,414-yard, 16-touchdown season as a running back.

It doesn’t matter if he’s a bit short, as the 49ers have a rotation, so his touches can be managed. To have such a versatile threat in the backfield can give San Francisco a little more zing in its offense for 2020.

Edwards-Helaire is likely to be a second-round selection, but could still sneak into Thursday night.