2021 NFL Draft: 5 injury-risk players 49ers should avoid
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: Running Back Jermar Jefferson, Oregon State
Beavers . Jermar Jefferson. 4. player. 832. . Running Back
Like the situation at strong safety, San Francisco could consider adding some long-term running back depth. Especially with runners Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr. and JaMycal Hasty all signed only through 2021.
While it’s been Kyle Shanahan’s modus operandi to focus on the position later in the draft or even after it, there’s a chance someone like Oregon running back Jermar Jefferson could potentially be on Shanahan’s radar on day three of the NFL Draft.
The 5-foot-10, 217-pound running back had nearly 3,000 rush yards over three years with the Beavers, and he finished his collegiate tenure with an impressive 5.7 yards per carry and 27 touchdowns while flashing some modest pass-catching abilities.
Yet Jefferson also struggled with fumbling issues. And while that might be enough to discourage Shanahan, Jefferson also dealt with multiple ankle and foot injuries over the course of 2020, which limited him to six games played and cut into his overall abilities.
Surely hurting his draft stock in the process.
The fact his injuries in 2020 were more of the chronic variety and not a one-time thing is concerning enough. Paired with some fumbling issues, it’s probably best the 49ers look elsewhere to bolster their long-term running back depth.