SF 49ers post-Super Bowl 7-round mock NFL Draft

Generally speaking, it is not Kyle Shanahan’s MO to draft running backs, although one of his major draft whiffs since coming to San Francisco was in the form of Utah back Joe Williams.

In Williams, Shanahan thought he saw potential, although he only really managed one solid season at Utah before leaving school after just two seasons. However, with Buffalo running back Jaret Patterson, it isn’t just potential, it’s production.

Patterson racked up 3,884 yards on 636 carries in three seasons with the Bulls, an average of 6.1 yards per carry, while scoring 52 touchdowns, including 19 in just six games in 2020. He also showed ability as a pass-catcher, pulling down 20 receptions for 271 yards, most of which came during his sophomore year where he averaged 16.1 yards per catch.

Patterson isn’t a big guy — just 5-foot-9, 195 pounds — but he’s a strong, able runner who has the ability to go in or outside as needed. He’s also secure with the ball in his hands, fumbling just six times during his career, most of which came as a freshman.

To be sure, the SF 49ers don’t need another running back, which Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson seemingly holding down the lion’s share of the carries and Austin Walter potentially waiting in the wings. But there’s no reason to think that Patterson couldn’t come in and earn playing time on his merits.