49ers depth chart: Who makes the cut at running back in 2020?
By Peter Panacy
Who’s In, Who’s Out on the 49ers Depth Chart?
Again, Raheem Mostert isn’t going anywhere. Not after his rapid ascent to near-superstar status towards the end of last season. Mostert’s speed and explosiveness, combined with the productivity he enjoyed for much of the playoffs, are assets the 49ers won’t hide this upcoming season.
But who else winds up joining Mostert as a lock to make the 53-man roster?
Locks on the 49ers Depth Chart
Mostert will be there. And so will Jerick McKinnon.
Why? Well, even though McKinnon has to prove he’s fully recovered from the 2018 ACL tear that derailed both that season and 2019, his minimum $4 million dead-cap hit if cut all but negates any idea of him being let go. McKinnon’s role might be up in the air still. But if he’s healthy, there’s no reason to assume the Niners involve him in the offense as much as possible.
Looking Good
Tevin Coleman is an interesting case.
Shanahan has an affinity for his former runner with the Atlanta Falcons, even though Coleman mustered only 544 rush yards last season and boasted only two regular-season games in which he rushed for over 70 yards.
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco could have cut Coleman prior to April 1 with zero in dead money. Now, with that deadline passed, there’s a $2 million cap hit. It’s not likely Coleman is going anywhere, but it’s possible.
On the 49ers Depth Chart Bubble
If Coleman is pushed off the 53-man roster by Week 1, it’ll likely be due to one of the two rookies, Salvon Ahmed or JaMycal Hasty, proving too valuable to Shanahan’s offense.
Especially with a player like Hasty, whose UDFA status was a bit of a surprise.
Still, both UDFAs have an uphill battle to push out players like Coleman or even McKinnon. While it’s possible, one might expect either/both Ahmed and Hasty to start off their pro careers on the practice squad.
Or on another team, if San Francisco can’t slip them through.
The additions don’t, however, bode well for Jeff Wilson who, despite some infrequent heroics last season, remained on the fringes of the 49ers depth chart. Just like last season, though, Wilson had an uphill fight to make the cut. And he did.
49ers training camp: One battle to watch at each position. dark. Next
Either way, look for these position battles to be more than just a little bit intriguing as the 49ers gear up for the regular season.