3 burning questions for 49ers running backs in 2020
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Will UDFAs Salvon Ahmed, JaMycal Hasty Make 49ers’ 53-Man Roster?
Perhaps this question now hinges more on Raheem Mostert’s situation. But either way, the Niners have two potentially exciting rookie running backs on their roster in Salvon Ahmed and JaMycal Hasty.
Ahmed is an interesting player to watch, particularly following his 1,020 rush-yard, 11-touchdown performance last season with the Huskies. He has good speed and elusiveness for his 5-foot-11, 197-pound frame. And if you were looking at one of San Francisco’s offensive UDFA additions from the offseason to have Pro Bowl potential, Ahmed would be it.
But Ahmed might not be quite as enticing as the 5-foot-8, 205-pound Hasty.
Hasty’s low center of gravity creates a tough tackle, and he has excellent one-cut mobility. While he was never used in a featured role at Baylor, Hasty does possess some solid pass-catching abilities, adding to his versatility and potency.
If you’re thinking of a third-down scatback, Hasty is the player to watch.
As UDFAs, paired with the crowded backfield, neither Ahmed nor Hasty is a shoo-in to make the 53-man roster this season.
Yet it wouldn’t be shocking to see one of these two rookies shine this training camp, potentially forcing someone like Jeff Wilson off the roster by Week 1.