3 options 49ers have to replace Raheem Mostert if he leaves
By Robert Smith
No. 3: 49ers’ Current Roster Options
Head coach Kyle Shanahan is known for having a running back-by-committee backfield.
Last season, Shanahan split time predominantly between running backs Tevin Coleman, Raheem Mostert, and Matt Breida. Jeff Wilson Jr. and even wide receiver Deebo Samuel were utilized in the run game. The result was the second-ranked rushing attack in the NFL.
And while Mostert seized his opportunity, should he depart, the Niners still have options currently on the roster to continue running the ball effectively.
Tevin Coleman
Coleman is the most obvious choice. Even splitting time with the other backs, he averaged 4.0 yards per carry, rushing for 544 yards on just 137 carries. And while the chances are he will continue splitting time in a complementary role, his solid productivity in Shanahan’s system will provide him the opportunity to continue being a foundation in the Niners running attack.
Jerick McKinnon
I know. I get it. Jerick McKinnon hasn’t played a regular-season down for the team since signing his original free-agent contract in 2018 after a productive tenure in Minnesota with the Vikings. Hopefully, his injury-plagued time with San Francisco is a thing of the past. McKinnon, who suffered an ACL and LCL tear of the knee since joining the team, is said to be 100 percent healthy for the first time in over two years.
And with the reworking of his contract to a team-friendly deal, along with that good health, McKinnon will be called upon to help fill the void should Mostert move on.
In that final season with the Vikings, McKinnon was a versatile weapon in the offense, hauling in 51 passes for 421 yards. He also ran for 570 yards and accounted for five touchdowns overall.
That type of versatility must have Shanahan chomping at the bit to diagram plays for McKinnon, and make him a huge part of the offense this coming season.
Jeff Wilson
Some football fans may not be familiar with Wilson, but Niner fans should be.
In 2019, Wilson, the former North Texas alum, accounted for five touchdowns, with four on the ground and another through the air. He, too, has shown some versatility in the offense in a very limited role. The 2018 undrafted free agent runs with power, and he has solid hands and provides a good target in the passing game.
Should he be called upon to do more, Wilson could be a potential breakout player in 2020.
Best of the rest
John Lynch and his scouting department have solid success with UDFAs, and among this year’s signings are a pair of running backs, Baylor’s JaMycal Hasty and the University of Washington’s Salvon Ahmed.
Hasty was a versatile weapon last season for the Bears, racking up 811 all-purpose yards to go with seven touchdowns. He has stop-and-cut ability and was known to be an OK blocker in pass protection as well. That type of versatility may secure him a spot on the 53-man roster, and potentially some opportunities during the regular season if given the chance.
Amassing over 1,000 yards on the ground in the Pac-12, Ahmed has good burst and acceleration. He will need to improve his pass blocking to find his way on the field in the NFL, but he also has some kick-return experience, which can only help when looking to find a place to shine on an NFL roster.