It's common knowledge that the San Francisco 49ers are blessed to have Christian McCaffrey. The 2022 trade to get him has almost reshaped and reinvigorated the franchise since the move. And once again, CMC shows why head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co. went out and made the acquisition for the former Carolina Panther.
Last season, McCaffrey put up 1,202 rushing yards along with running the ball into the end zone 10 times. And he showed off why he's the most versatile back by leading the Niners in catches (102), receiving yards (924) and adding seven touchdown catches.
Another All-Pro season that adds to an impressive career.
However, he's going to be 30 years old soon. And he'll coming off of a season where he had a career-high 413 touches on offense. Plus, the offensive line didn't give CMC too many chances to create in the run game as we've seen in the past. He averaged less than 4 yards per carry for the first time since 2020.
At this point, Shanahan will need to consider looking to add to the running back depth. Brian Robinson Jr. will likely head to free agency after putting up career-lows in about every statistic, offensively. And although going through the draft would be one of the better options, Shanahan hasn't had much success in that area.
1. Joe Williams
Joe Williams was the first running back Shanahan drafted. He was selected in the fourth round back in 2017. He didn't appear in a single regular season game for the 49ers.
2. Trey Sermon
Trey Sermon was a third round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He lasted one year with the 49ers and put up 167 rushing yards and one touchdown. He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles the next offseason.
3. Isaac Guerendo
Isaac Guerendo was picked in the fourth round of the 2024 Draft. He actually had some success in his rookie season with 420 rushing yards and four touchdown runs. He also added 152 receiving yards. However, he's in the Shanahan doghouse and was taken off of kick return duties and didn't get a single offensive touch last season.
4. Jordan James
Finally, Jordan James who was selected in the fifth round last year. he didn't get a single touch offensively until the very last game of the season against the Seahawks in the playoffs. He had eight carries for 28 yards and one catch for seven yards.
So, this is what we're working with as Shanahan's track record at drafting running backs with San Francisco. Out of the four players so far, Guerendo is the only running back who has played a second season for Shanahan.
It might be difficult to consider who could possibly contribute in a major way behind McCaffrey.
But, here are three running backs he should consider drafting.
Emmett Johnson (Nebraska)
The Cornhusker capped off his college career by leading the Big 10 conference in carries and rushing yards. His scheme versatility would fit well in Shanahan's offense as someone who could play in an outside-zone scheme or going between the tackles. Johnson has the type of patience that is necessary for the 49ers run game. Plus, he was a strong receiver during his senior year with 46 catches, 370 yards and three touchdowns.
He's shown great success in creating 349 yards after the catch and has lined up outside of the backfield as a receiver on 18 percent of his pass plays. This versatility is something greatly needed whenever McCaffrey is off the field as another running back who can create mismatches in the passing game.
And his ability to lower his pad level and create more yards after contact. More than half of Johnson's yards came after contact (741 yards after contact).
Johnson isn't the most amazing athlete. He's clocked at a 4.50 (pre-combine), and him only weighing 200 pounds can hurt his durability. He'll definitely need to add some muscle before the draft gets closer.
J'Mari Taylor (Virginia)
Taylor's got great vision and burst through any hole created by the offensive line. His success and experience in a zone run scheme makes him a perfect fit in Shanahan's offense. Taylor is also a reliable receiver who was constantly motioned out to the slot for mismatches.
Plus, he's physical for someone at only 5-foot-9 and 204 pounds.
He's still raw with much of his play. His route tree needs more diversity; his pass blocking needs more refining. And he's not someone who's shown consistency with his breakaway speed. He'll likely fit in as a third-down back initially, which would be a benefit for the Niners for however long McCaffrey's prime lasts.
Roman Hemby (Indiana)
Despite the limited experience as an every-down back, Hemby shows all of the signs to fill in when necessary. He's got great vision, he fits well in a zone run scheme, and he's got solid hands to help in the pass game.
Plus, he's got the type of acceleration Shanahan is looking for the offense.
He still needs more developing in other areas. He isn't a very prominent feature in the pass game. You won't ever see him lining up out wide or in the slot. Hemby is also not reliable if asked to pick up a blitz. Hemby would be a solid addition in a Jordan Mason role. He could come in and close the game while McCaffrey rests up.
It's the type of needed depth the 49ers need to add more seasons to McCaffrey.