Combine star Isaac Guerendo is the 2024 NFL Draft prospect 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan might be unable to resist

It has long since been a source of frustration for fans of the San Francisco 49ers, head coach Kyle Shanahan seemingly reaching for a running back the team does not necessarily need in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft. From Joe Williams, to Trey Sermon and Tyrion Davis-Price, it has happened so often it has become something of a tradition.

The 49ers did not use a draft pick on a running back in last year's draft but, given their history, that is unlikely to become a habit, even with the Niners boasting the Offensive Player of the Year, Christian McCaffrey in their backfield.

McCaffrey is still only 27, but the 49ers piled 339 regular-season touches onto his body in 2023 before giving him the ball another 78 times in the postseason.

San Francisco's star running back would likely say he can continue to handle that kind of workload. Logic says he will eventually need to cede more of his carries to those behind him on the depth chart.

The problem is that McCaffrey's primary backup, Elijah Mitchell, has yet to play a full season in his three-year career because of injuries. Behind him, Jordan Mason continued to see limited usage in his second year in large part because of doubts over his pass protection.

Mitchell is a free agent next offseason and, given his durability issues, there's little to suggest the 49ers will be overly determined to re-sign him. The 49ers don't need to draft a running back, especially after adding Patrick Taylor Jr. to the mix in free agency, but there's ample reason to believe it's something they'll consider.

Guerendo fits the bill

And one of the leading candidates to join the list of surprise running back selections is Louisville's Isaac Guerendo.

Guerendo was one of the stars of the NFL Combine, crushing his workout and earning an A to Z Sports athletic composite score of 97.9%, comfortably the highest among all running backs. At 6ft and 221 pounds, Guerendo posted a 40-yard dash of 4.33 seconds and a remarkable vertical leap of 41.5 inches to go with a broad jump of 10ft 9in.

The explosiveness those testing numbers indicate was reflected on Guerendo's tape, which shows that of a back with the burst to the second level to thrive in a run game that has long since relied on decisive one-cut runners.

A transfer from Wisconsin, in 2023 Guerendo was one of the premier running backs in the nation on both zone and gap runs. Per Pro Football Focus, he posted a zone grade of 84.2 and gap grade of 86.9. On top of that, he had an elusive rating of 106.8 while averaging 4.11 yards after contact per attempt, demonstrating the ability to make defenders miss and bounce off tackle attempts due to his impressive contact balance.

For a 49ers rushing attack that is much more balanced in its usage of zone and gap scheme runs than it has been in previous years, it's easy to see why Guerendo would be an appealing prospect. San Francisco was reported as meeting informally with Guerendo at the Combine.

Fresh legs

That appeal may be furthered by the fact that his lone season at Louisville saw Guerendo carry the ball 132 times in his timeshare with Jawhar Jordan. That number represented the highest of his collegiate career. In four previous seasons with Wisconsin, the most he carried the ball was 62 times in 2022.

In other words, he is a prospect who comes into the NFL with very fresh legs, a significant plus for any team concerned about the durability of its running back room.

Having shown some promise picking up blitzes in college, the 49ers would have cause to be encouraged that he can hold up in pass protection at the NFL level with his sturdy, well-built frame.