The 49ers Have Struggled to Find Success with Drafted Running Backs
It seems like the San Francisco 49ers have had a hard time finding success with their drafted running backs in recent years. They have invested third-round draft picks in back-to-back seasons, only to see both players fail to make an impact before moving on to other teams.
First, let’s take a look at their most recent disappointment, Ty Davis-Price. Davis-Price, a third-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft, has recently signed a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite being selected by the 49ers, Davis-Price appeared in just seven games for the team, rushing for a total of 120 yards and no touchdowns on 40 attempts.
It seems that his rookie season was overshadowed by undrafted running back Jordan Mason, who beat him out for playing time. To make matters worse, the midseason trade for Christian McCaffrey pushed Davis-Price even further down the depth chart.
Moving on to the previous season, the 49ers selected Trey Sermon in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. However, his tenure with the team was also short-lived. Sermon was cut at the end of training camp in 2022, and the Eagles claimed him off waivers. During his time with the 49ers, Sermon rushed for 167 yards and a touchdown on 41 attempts in nine games. He then played two games for the Eagles in 2022 before joining the Indianapolis Colts last season.
Looking at the bigger picture, it’s clear that the 49ers have struggled to find success with their drafted running backs since 2017. Joe Williams, a fourth-round pick in 2017, never even appeared in a regular-season game. Elijah Mitchell, a sixth-round pick in 2021, has been the most successful pick among running backs, leading the team in rushing as a rookie. However, he has faced challenges staying on the field due to injuries.
As of now, the 49ers’ running back roster includes McCaffrey, Mitchell, and Mason. With a track record of inconsistent production from their drafted running backs in recent years, it remains to be seen if this core group can provide stability and success in the future.
Implications and Future Trends
The struggles of the 49ers with their drafted running backs highlight the challenges and uncertainties of talent evaluation and development in the NFL. It serves as a cautionary tale for teams looking to build their backfield through the draft.
First, it emphasizes the importance of thorough scouting and evaluation processes. Teams need to identify the right fit for their offensive system, taking into account not only physical attributes but also intangibles such as work ethic, football IQ, and durability. Simply drafting a player based on college success does not guarantee success at the professional level.
Secondly, teams should consider diversifying their approach to running back acquisition. While the draft is often the preferred method for procuring young talent, teams may also benefit from exploring free agency, trades, or even utilizing a committee approach to the position. This allows for more flexibility and increased chances of finding the right combination of skill sets and playing styles.
Additionally, the emphasis on running backs in the passing game has become increasingly prominent in today’s NFL. Teams are looking for versatile backs who can not only run effectively but also contribute in the passing game as receivers and pass protectors. This trend opens up opportunities for players who possess these dual-threat abilities to make an impact in a team’s offense.
Another emerging trend is the increased reliance on analytics and advanced metrics in player evaluation. The use of data-driven insights can provide teams with a deeper understanding of a player’s potential value and fit within their system. Combining traditional scouting methods with advanced analytics can lead to more informed decisions and improve the chances of finding successful running backs in the draft.
In conclusion, the struggles of the San Francisco 49ers with their draft selections of running backs in recent years serve as a cautionary tale for teams looking to build a successful rushing attack. Thorough scouting, diversification of acquisition methods, emphasis on versatility, and integration of analytics can all contribute to a more successful running back strategy. As the NFL continues to evolve, teams must adapt and innovate to find the right pieces for their offensive puzzle.
