Which 49ers players are on the bubble entering training camp?
By Peter Panacy
49ers training camp bubble watch: Running back
Lock: Tyrion Davis-Price*, Kyle Juszczyk, Elijah Mitchell
Strong bubble: Trey Sermon, Jeff Wilson Jr.
Weak bubble: JaMycal Hasty, Jordan Mason*
Long shot: Josh Hokit
Second-year pro Elijah Mitchell might again get the lion’s share of carries for the 49ers offense this season in light of his impressive 963-yard campaign a year ago.
However, Mitchell’s brief injury history and the fact Kyle Shanahan often likes to feature more of a bruiser at the position early in games help explain why the Niners used a third-round draft pick on former LSU tailback Tyrion Davis-Price.
The rookie could actually be San Francisco’s starter early in games, using his 6-foot-1 frame to test opposing defenses early before Shanahan gives way to Mitchell.
In theory, this likely points to a reduced role for fellow 2021 rookie, Trey Sermon, whose 167 rush yards last year were notably disappointing after the 49ers also used a Round 3 pick on him.
It might be premature for the Niners to wholly give up on Sermon after just one season, but he can’t be viewed as a total lock either. If anything, he probably caps out as an RB3 on the depth chart even if he improves over his frustrating 2021 campaign.
Especially if undrafted rookie Jordan Mason winds up turning heads during training camp.
San Francisco has the best fullback in the NFL, Kyle Juszczyk, so he’s not going anywhere.