A running back in the first round seems like a farfetched idea for the 49ers in next year’s draft. Despite evidence that San Francisco wouldn’t go that route, ESPN’s Todd McShay has them selecting Ohio State running back JK Dobbins with the 31st overall pick in his latest mock draft.
McShay joins the Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling in sending a running back to San Francisco in the first round of their mocks. Easterling has Clemson’s Travis Etienne going at that spot.
McShay points to the 49ers’ long-term future at the position as the reason for the pick:
The Niners are No. 2 in the NFL in rushing and have used a plethora of backs to get there. But considering Matt Breida will be a free agent after San Francisco’s playoff bid, Tevin Coleman’s $0 in guaranteed money after this season and the high value Dobbins presents here, I like the idea of bringing in another versatile offensive weapon for Jimmy Garoppolo and padding a strength for this team. But don’t be surprised to see the 49ers trade out of the spot altogether with just six picks in the entire draft and only one before Day 3.
Dobbins could undoubtedly help the 49ers’ offense. He’s a sensational playmaker who’s done nothing but produce for very good Buckeyes teams the last three seasons. Dobbins is an extremely fluid mover who frequently makes defenders miss in space, but his 5-10, 217-pound frame gives him enough size to run them as well.
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