Breaking down 49ers selection of Tyrion Davis-Price in 2022 NFL Draft

The 49ers made a surprising selection, opting to go with running back Tyrion Davis-Price with one of their third-round NFL Draft selections.

It seems from time to time the San Francisco 49ers make a pick in the NFL Draft that doesn’t seem to make much sense whatsoever, and I doubt anyone had them adding to their running back room so early, particularly on day two of the draft.

But add they did, and Tyrion Davis-Price is now the latest Niners player to be drafted, coming in from LSU at No. 93 overall, albeit very briefly before their next third-round selection is announced at No. 105 overall.

Read More: 49ers NFL Draft 2022: Live tracker, updates and pick-by-pick grades

If we look at several factors, such as San Francisco’s offensive scheme and what’s been brewing with a certain All-Pro, you could make an argument the 49ers killed two birds with one stone here.

The Niners do like to use multiple running backs, and the only clearcut player at the position right now is Elijah Mitchell, with Deebo Samuel not wanting to be used in the backfield. Everyone else is under some form of cloud, whether it be injury or skill-related, so let’s see where Davis-Price fits in.

What 49ers are getting in Tyrion Davis-Price

The first thing to note is that the 49ers held a pre-draft workout with Davis-Price, and he must have absolutely impressed them given the apparent lack of need at the position.

But exactly what kind of runner is Davis-Price and how does he fit with Mitchell?

Davis-Price ran the ball 211 times for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns last season, but he was limited in the passing game, however, with only 10 receptions for 64 yards.

On the upside, has a good blend of power and speed, running a 4.48 40-yard time at the NFL Combine but also possessing the strength to be a good North-South rusher who can fight for extra yardage.

Is he going to be as fast or effective as Samuel was? Certainly not. But the soon-to-be rookie is certainly not a slouch.

There’s potential to be had in the receiving game as well. LSU didn’t utilize him much, but he showed good ball awareness when catching passes in the flat. He’ll never be an elite receiving back, but he definitely has room to grow in this area, and he’s also a decent blocker who can be used on third downs regardless.

Davis-Price is certainly an intriguing pick. Whether or not they simply had to make this pick is a question mark, but there is an upside, and if it has the bonus effect of placating Samuel, can the Niners fans out there be that unhappy with it?

The LSU standout has the ability to contribute right away behind Mitchell and could help solve a big headache off the field. Davis-Price will not be the most popular pick with needs at safety and interior offensive line still staring the team in the face, but he could definitely prove his worth to the 49ers nonetheless.