49ers depth chart: Predicting each running back’s role in 2022

49ers running back room: The starter, short-yardage specialist (Tyrion Davis-Price)

Yes, you read that correctly. Tyrion Davis-Price will probably end up being San Francisco’s starting running back this season.

It’s not without precedent, and it deserves a bit of an explanation, one which requires us to go back to 2019.

That year, despite Raheem Mostert’s noteworthy ascent, Kyle Shanahan didn’t give him starts. In fact, Mostert had a total of zero regular-season starts, rather the bulk of those went to fellow running back Tevin Coleman, whom Shanahan used to test out defenses early in games before turning things over to Mostert around halftime and then beyond.

This is likely why the 49ers drafted the 6-foot-1, 219-pound Davis-Price. He’ll fill that early-game role where he can hopefully put his physicality to work.

Read More: Tyrion Davis-Price won’t be a washout NFL Draft pick

Beyond just placating All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who understandably doesn’t want to be overused as a rusher in 2022, there’s another reason why the Niners reached on Davis-Price in Round 3 of the draft, and that’s to truly capitalize on short-yardage situations.

This was problematic for San Francisco last year, as ESPN’s Nick Wagoner explained:

"To wit: The 49ers ranked 29th in the league in third-down run conversion percentage, gaining a first down on just 42.4% of their rushing attempts on third down. On handoffs to running backs, their conversion rate of 42.1% was last in the NFL on fourth or third-and-3 or fewer. They averaged 2.3 yards per carry on third-and-2 or fewer yards, which ranked 26th in the NFL. In 2021, Davis-Price had 36 carries for 153 yards and two touchdowns on third or fourth down. From that, he went for 111 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries when the Tigers faced third or fourth down with 3 or fewer yards to go."

Now, don’t let this be a convincer that Davis-Price will lead San Francisco in rushing. That’ll still go to Elijah Mitchell.