49ers NFL Draft: 3 UDFAs with best chance to make 2020 roster

Yes, the 49ers backfield was crowded coming into the draft. With running backs Tevin Coleman, Raheem Mostert, Matt Breida, Jerrick McKinnon and Jeff Wilson Jr. each vying for snaps, there seemed to be no need to add to that group.

That was until John Lynch pulled the trigger on a day-three trade sending Breida to the Miami Dolphins for a fifth-round pick. While it still left the Niners with a few options at the position, the season tends to test depth, especially at running back. Coleman and Breida both suffered injuries last season, and McKinnon had torn his ACL two years before, and setbacks had him miss the entire 2019 season as well.

And while the team signed former Washington Husky standout Salvon Ahmed, another UDFA running back, his lack of vision and feel for the game gives me pause for concern in his ability to make the roster.

Enter JaMychal Hasty, the former Baylor Bear who was considered a late-round draft prospect coming into the draft.

While his name was not called through seven rounds of picks, the Niners may have gotten a diamond in the rough. At 5-foot-8 and 205 pounds, Hasty is compact yet thick-framed with an ability to make quick cuts and explosive plays. He is patient enough to wait for holes to open, and is also effective as a receiver out of the backfield.

Hasty finished 2019 starting 3 of 14 games, with 109 carries, 627 yards, and 5.8 yards per carry. As a receiving threat, he caught 25 passes for 184 yards. In total, he scored seven times in his senior year for Baylor. Hasty was tough and dependable, a tribute to him keeping a low center of gravity.

As a rotational back with the 49ers, he could provide a change-of-pace option for Kyle Shanahan to utilize in a multitude of ways running, receiving or even in a punt/kickoff returner role.