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NFL
The real issue with the 49ers selecting a running back in the draft again
TL;DR
The San Francisco 49ers have drafted a running back for the third consecutive year, selecting Isaac Guerendo, Jordan James, and Kaelon Black. Despite the potential of these players, the repeated selections indicate dissatisfaction with previous choices and raise concerns about the effective use of draft capital.
Key points
- 49ers selected a running back for the third consecutive year
- Isaac Guerendo, Jordan James, and Kaelon Black were drafted
- Repeated selections indicate dissatisfaction with previous running backs
- Drafting running backs raises concerns about effective use of draft capital
- New players may not see the field without McCaffrey's injury
Isaac GuerendoJordan JamesKaelon BlackChristian McCaffrey
For a third straight season, the San Francisco 49ers selected a running back. Isaac Guerendo from Louisville was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft, Jordan James of Oregon was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft, and Kaelon Black of Indiana was taken with a third-round pick in this draft. We donât have to go down the list of previously drafted running backs. Taking a running back in three straight seasons and getting nothing in return in terms of production is a poor process.
The issue isnât the players themselves. I believe each of the last three selections can be productive players to some degree, some more than others. Depth is definitely needed at the position. However, using valuable draft capital to select depth pieces at the position, who will need an injury to Christian McCaffrey to even smell the grass, feels like a waste.
If the 49ers were headed to a split backfield, then you could stomach the selections. Without McCaffrey missing time, none of the three players will see the field, plus Guerendo could be on the roster bubble, which is frustrating in itself. The Louisville running back filled in admirably for a bit in 2024, but appears buried on the depth chart after not logging a single touch in 2025.
Hereâs the real issue. Each running back selected is an indictment of the previous running back. This isnât my opinion either. The team is telling you what they think of Guerendo and James. Why select Jordan James when Guerendo was solid during his time, and the production was solid? Why select Black if you think James can fill in for McCaffrey?
The 49ers have found production with late-round picks or UDFAâs in the past. Think Elijah Mitchell in his only season as the featured back. Even Jordan Mason needed injuries to see the field finally, but he wasnât drafted. The 49ers thought so much of him that they shipped him to to essentially move up in the draft and gain more picks.
Q&A
Why did the 49ers draft another running back in 2024?
The 49ers drafted another running back to add depth to the position, but the choice raises questions about the effectiveness of previous selections.
What does drafting multiple running backs say about the 49ers' roster?
Drafting multiple running backs suggests the team is not satisfied with the performance of previous players like Isaac Guerendo and Jordan James.
How might Christian McCaffrey's health affect the new running backs?
The new running backs may struggle for playing time unless Christian McCaffrey is injured, limiting their opportunities to contribute.