3 positions 49ers need to upgrade this offseason
No. 3: Running back
The 49ers should look to acquire a true three-down running back this offseason. The mix-match tandem of Tevin Coleman, Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert was effective last year with each back contributing in different ways. However, the truth of the matter is that San Francisco has not had a workhorse, 1,000-yard rusher since Frank Gore back in 2014.
It’s hard to believe head coach Kyle Shanahan‘s elusive running scheme hasn’t produced a 1,000-yard rusher, but it hasn’t happened because he has yet to have a ball carrier who can handle the workload necessary for that kind of production.
A running back who doesn’t have to come off the field in passing or goal-line situations can help to better set up the motions and play fakes that made the 49ers so successful on offense last season.
There are a few options the Niners have to improve the running back position this offseason. First, they have free agency. The soon-to-be-former Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon is a back who can certainly carry the load. The Chargers essentially chose Austin Ekeler over Gordon, having signed him to an extension before the new 2020 NFL year begins on March 18.
The problem with Gordon is he will likely command a $7 million dollar a year contract, according to Pro Football Focus. This could really strap the Niners, who only have $13 million in cap space available currently. Now, this number could change based on the new CBA deal proposed to players this year.
San Francisco can also restructure some contracts with its current players to gain some more space to spend on free agents.
Another thing that could make this a realistic option is the fact Gordon might be willing to take a significant discount to play for a Super Bowl contender up in Northern California. Gordon got burned holding out for a new deal last year with the Chargers. He might now realize running back is not a position NFL teams are willing to overpay for.
Gordon will be 27 years old when the 2020 season begins, which is on the road of decline for NFL running backs. Still, he is a do-it-all back who can carry a heavy workload for the Niners if it works out financially for the team.
The other way the 49ers could improve the running back position is through the draft. This is the smarter route to go based on the fact that RBs hit their prime at a very young age. The problem is this might actually cost the team more than a free agent would. Since San Francisco only currently holds one pick in the first four rounds of the draft, it will likely cost the No. 31 pick to get a true workhorse.
Like Gordon, the running back who fits this mold is a former Wisconsin Badger himself, Jonathan Taylor. The 5-foot-11, 219 pounder actually has a lot of similarities to Gordon. He is a patient, fluid runner who can break off game-changing plays and also is effective in the passing game.
Taylor ran for almost 150 yards and a touchdown in the Big Ten Championship game against Ohio State’s pro-ready defense.
Taylor might not be available at No. 31, but there has been a recent trend of teams waiting until the middle rounds of the NFL Draft to select a running back. Remember, Josh Jacobs was the only RB taken in the first round last year, going No. 24 overall to the Oakland Raiders.
Taylor would be a great fit for San Francisco, but of course, comes at a steep price.