Runningbacks
Matt Breida - 2017 UDFA. Surprise out of the scrap heap, looking at his tape in college it is proof that scouts in the NFL kind of don't know what they are doing. Breida, I thought would make 53 man roster when he was draft but looking at it again the guy has all the makings of top 10 running back in the NFL. He is built like a 5 year pro and he moves with the speed of gazelle. He reminds me a lot of Frank Gore but again this guys speed and agility are borderline elite and he has great field vision to boot. He proved himself to be a potential star last year and at a mere 24 years old, he could be at that level for another 4 or 5 years. It also helps that under Kyle Shanahan, he tries to not run his backs into the ground He's an UFA after this season, PAY THE MAN!!!!
Skills: A
Performance: A-
Potential: B+
Overall Grade: A-
Tevin Coleman - Having worked with Shanny on the Falcons, I've seen them work together and not only is Coleman a system fit, he is an underrated back. He is a little larger of a frame so he can run between the tackles. I just quick enough to damage on the outside and has soft hands to catch passes. He is also a decent blocker when asked to do so. He is kind of a jack of all trades. Some people think he will get the bulk of the carries over Matt Breida but it's tough to say, either way he was a hell of a pickup and will be part of a three headed monster in our offense.
Skills: A-
Performance: A-
Potential: B
Overall Grade: B+
Jerrick McKinnon - The 40 million dollar man. After being knocked out for all of 2018. There is a lot of pressure for McKinnon to perform. He was handed a contract like he was a bellcow back when nothing he did in Minnesota warranted that type of payday, even if he is probably a better system fit under Kyle Shanahan. Jerrick is an open field runningback that is probably the best pass catcher of any of the running back on the team but his somewhat slight build makes him less than ideal when asked to run between the tackles. He's more of out outside/sweeps type of back and thats ok for someone making in 3/4 million a year not someone with this type of payload. If he is anything less than a really solid contributor, he could be dealt seasons end or before if a team gets desparate
Skills: B
Performance: C-
Potential: C+
Overall: C+
Raheem Mostert - Raheem Mostert is a special teams ace but he has managed to be pretty solid fill in, his few snaps at runningback.He definitely has given his all and has earned himself a nice little contract. Hope to see him on the roster for at least a few more years.
Skills: B-
Performance: C+
Potential: C+
Overall: C+
Austin Walter - Developmental prospect from Rice. I can't say I know too much about this kid, his measurables are above average and he was featured pretty heavily in the Rice offense, but the reason I think they took a flier on him is because he is a very good receiver out the backfield. He averaged 40 yards receiving a game and that's something you can build on. He needs to build himself up an NFL body and slim down a bit and then try to become a strong 195-200lbs but overall he will probably develop into a 3rd down RB.
Skills: C-
Performance: D
Potential: D
Overall D+
Unit Analysis: There is a lot of talent and speed in the backfield and if used right each one of these players can get anywhere from 700-1000 all purpose yards. Unlike past coaches that a tendency to run backs into the ground, these guys all possess good speed and overall awareness and will be a ton of fun to watch. Either running the ball or catching it. This is low key the best three headed monster in the NFL and I the unit is being constructed a lot like Belichecks Patriots. Looking for system fits that have talent as opposed to vice versa and even though we failed to land Laveon Bell, I am perfectly happy with the unit we have here, they are young, hungry and here to stay.
Unit Grade: B+