The Niners seem very likely to take a running back in 2025.
The 2025 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, as the San Francisco 49ers currently have the No. 11 overall pick.
Most of the discourse has been around the 49ers’ first-round pick, and rightfully so, as the team needs instant impact rookies after a quiet offseason.
But, there are several needs that San Francisco could address in this draft, so let’s go through every position and find realistic targets for the 49ers. We started with quarterbacks, so let’s move on to running backs.
Day 2
Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson
At the top of the spectrum is Henderson, who could be a first-round pick later this month.
But, given the uncertainty around running backs and the depth in the class, there’s a chance the Ohio State star falls to No. 43, and head coach Kyle Shanahan could find his next gem at the position.
There are several needs that the 49ers have to address in this class, and running back is one of them after the team traded Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings. Christian McCaffrey’s health is a concern, so depth is needed.
Henderson has great athleticism at 5’10, 202 pounds, and he’s a pure three-down back. He displays great vision, has good juice, and can work on both inside and outside runs. Moreover, Henderson is the best pass-protecting running back in the class and is very capable as a pass-catcher.
If there’s a back that San Francisco takes really early, Henderson is the most realistic option.
UCF RB RJ Harvey
Looking much deeper on Day 2, the 49ers could target RJ Harvey in the third or fourth round. I expect a run on tailbacks to happen sometime on Day 2, so San Francisco could get in the action, with Harvey making sense as a target.
Harvey also has good athleticism at 5’8, 205 pounds, and he’s strong and tough as a runner. He has pass-catching chops as well, but will have to develop in pass protection to be a reliable third-down option.
In a way, he’s similar to Jordan Mason. Not the most explosive athlete, but a tough runner with a low center of gravity that leads to missed tackles.
Kansas RB Devin Neal
Neal has been connected to the 49ers a few times during the pre-draft process, as he has good vision at 5’11, 213 pounds.
While not as good of an athlete as the other options, Neal is decisive and could be that short-down back for the 49ers with good pass-catching and protection abilities to get on the field on third downs.
In a way, he’d be a good complement to Isaac Guerendo and his home-run hitting speed, and he seems like a good fit in the one-cut offense.
Day 3
Texas RB Jaydon Blue
If you want a home-run hitter, Blue possesses the breakaway speed for that as a late Day 2/early Day 3 option.
While he doesn’t have as much experience as other backs, the talent is there on both inside and outside runs. He also possesses the ability to be a receiver out of the backfield or even in the slot, which allows for matchup advantages for head coach Kyle Shanahan.
He’s not the biggest back and will need some development, but the talent and traits are there as a Day 3 option.
Arizona State RB Bhayshul Tuten
Circling back on explosive Day 3 options, look no further than Arizona State’s Bhayshul Tuten, who ran a blazing 4.32 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
Tuten has good enough size at 5’9, 206 pounds and can cut well to match his elite linear speed. His size also allows him to be more physical on top of his explosiveness, although he has had fumble issues at times in college.
Development will be needed with vision and the hands, but Tuten is a willing pass protector as well, and projects like a slightly smaller Isaac Guerendo with returner potential as well.