4 bold predictions for 49ers 2021 rookie NFL Draft class

Prediction No. 3: Elijah Mitchell earns 49ers kick-, punt-return job

This one is a bit more a wild card.

The 49ers have a number of options for their return game in 2021, including wide receivers Richie James and River Cracraft, although it might be more beneficial to see if one of the newly drafted rookies assumes the role instead. Particularly in the wake of this role being somewhat problematic the past few years, as well as the Niners offense averaging a starting spot on its own 27.4-yard line last year — 25th overall in the league.

Given how crowded San Francisco’s running back room is, one way Kyle Shanahan and special teams coordinator Richard Hightower can take advantage of Elijah Mitchell’s blazing speed is to put him on a return role.

Remember, Mitchell ran a 4.38 40-yard time at his pro day. And while his experience as a returner included just five kick returns his senior year, he did perform these duties at the high school level.

Serving as a return specialist might be the best way to take advantage not only of Mitchell’s speed, but his one-cut-and-go abilities, which may be demonstrated against all the chaos and sometimes randomness of kickoffs and punts. Mitchell’s ability to simply run by defenders might be that extra X-factor the 49ers on special teams.