Why the Seahawks expected 49ers to pick a RB and what it means for Christian McCaffrey (paywall)
“In a story breaking down Seattle’s eight-man draft class, which began with the selection of Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price with the No. 32 pick, ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported the Seahawks had “concern” that the 49ers might grab Price at No. 33.
That’s interesting. Also interesting? Seattle’s new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, who was hired on Feb. 19, has unique insight into how the 49ers view their running back position, which is headlined by almost-30-year-old Christian McCaffrey. Before joining the Seahawks, Fleury, formerly the 49ers’ tight ends coach, ended his seven-season tenure with the team in 2025 by also serving as head coach Kyle Shanahan’s run-game coordinator.
The Seahawks were clearly clued in when it came to a position that appeared to be down the list of 49ers’ draft needs, seemingly behind edge rusher, wide receiver, guard, safety and, perhaps, offensive tackle. Despite employing McCaffrey and two other backs they’d selected with a mid-round pick in the previous two drafts, the 49ers invested their third pick, a late third-rounder, on Indiana’s Kaelon Black.”
Matt Maiocco’s 49ers 53-man roster projection after 2026 NFL Draft selections
“The fact that the 49ers did not take an offensive lineman until the fourth round suggests they have high hopes for the player they ended up selecting. That’s why Willis is projected as the starter at left guard. But if Willis is not ready for that role, the 49ers’ options are Jones, Toth and Colby.”
49ers named trade fit for Pro Bowl cornerback
“[Kenny] Moore will turn 31 in August, but played reasonably well in 2025, allowing an opposing passer rating of 87.8 in coverage,” Knox added. “He’d be a sensible target for teams that failed to add a corner early in the draft.”
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