The 49ers already have Christian McCaffrey, one of the best running backs in football. But with McCaffrey now 30, and with his Week 1 availability in serious doubt, the conversation in San Francisco has started to shift toward what comes next.
That’s where NFL analyst Ryan Wilson’s latest 2027 NFL Mock Draft comes in. Wilson has the 49ers taking Florida running back Jadan Baugh at No. 16, and he sees a familiar kind of fit for Kyle Shanahan’s offense. In Wilson’s view, San Francisco could go in a few directions - including planning for life after Trent Williams or adding another receiver - but he says the best move is to take the top back in the class.
“The 49ers zig when others expect them to zag when it comes to the draft. They could plan for life for Trent Williams here, or maybe add another receiver.
Instead, they get the best back of the class in Jadan Baugh, who reminds me of in-hi-prime Le’Veon Bell. That type of player in a Shahanan offense feels like a no-brainer.”
Baugh checks the size box, too. He’s listed at 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, and plenty of evaluators have made the case that he’s the best running back in the class, not just Wilson.
The Bell comparison is the eye-catcher here. Bell was a three-time Pro Bowl running back and four-time All-Pro selection, and at his peak he was one of the NFL’s most dangerous backs.
The 49ers, as Wilson sees it, would love to land a young player with that kind of skill set - even if the point isn’t to rush McCaffrey out the door. The idea is to find the next difference-maker before the position becomes a problem.
In Other News...
Grant Cohn Is Somehow Becoming Part Of The 49ers Opener Story
The 49ers trip to Australia for their international opener against the Rams has produced the usual flood of game-week content, but one familiar Bay Area voice has become part of the conversation for a different reason. Grant Cohn, the veteran reporter known for his sharp criticism of San Francisco, has drawn attention overseas not for a practice note or matchup breakdown, but for the way he has documented the experience around the game.
His social media posts about local food and cultural stops have caught on with audiences well beyond the standard football crowd, turning a routine road assignment into something of a sideshow. Cohn has long been a polarizing figure around the 49ers because of his public clashes with players and the confrontational style he often brings to his coverage, and now even that reputation is being folded into a story that started with the opener itself. [Read more 🡒]
Deebo Samuels New Role Puts 49ers Rookie In Week 1 Spotlight
DeZhaun Stribling has quietly climbed into a meaningful spot on the 49ers preseason depth chart, and the timing could not be better for a team sorting through injuries and shifting roles at receiver before Week 1 against the Rams. The rookie has moved up enough to be considered for a significant offensive role, and the latest chart points to him lining up as a starting wideout alongside Mike Evans.
Deebo Samuels designation as the primary kick returner adds another layer to the picture, hinting at a reduced load on offense and opening the door for Stribling to see real early-season snaps. For a San Francisco passing game already adjusting on the fly, the rookies next chance may come right away, and it will be worth watching how quickly the staff leans into that opportunity. [Read more 🡒]
49ers First Injury Report Raises An Early Lineup Concern
The first injury report of the season gave the 49ers an immediate dose of reality, with several familiar names showing up before the week has even really settled in. Nick Bosa and George Kittle were both listed, and the report also brought a new concern on the defensive side when rookie defensive tackle Alfred Collins appeared for the first time with a knee injury. It is the kind of early-week update that can quickly shape how a staff approaches practice, especially when core pieces are already under the microscope.
For now, the encouraging part is who was not there. Christian McCaffrey was absent from the report, and Mike Evans also did not appear, which helps keep at least some of the focus on the players who are actually dealing with issues. Still, Collins new injury designation stands out as the one to monitor, because even in September, the 49ers know how quickly a depth concern can become a bigger storyline if it lingers. [Read more 🡒]