Isaac Guerendo might assume a major role in 2025, but one of the 49ers’ undrafted free agents could derail those chances.
Second-year running back Isaac Guerendo shouldn’t be feeling too complacent on the San Francisco 49ers’ roster just yet.
Despite turning things on late his rookie year in the wake of injuries to veteran tailbacks Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, Guerendo’s immediate future on the Niners depth chart is anything but certain. Despite San Francisco trading Mason away earlier this offseason, the day-three NFL Draft addition of Oregon rusher Jordan James could potentially push Guerendo to the periphery.
James isn’t the only one threatening Guerendo’s job.
Pro Football Network went through all 32 teams after the draft and highlighted one player from each who could either be cut or traded prior to Week 1.
Their selection for the 49ers (if you haven’t guessed by now) was Guerendo, citing not only James’ presence but the addition of a solid-fit undrafted free agent out of Cincinnati.
Corey Kiner may endanger Isaac Guerendo’s roster spot
PFN specifically pointed out undrafted rookie running back Corey Kiner as a player to watch between now and the regular season, mainly with how it would relate to Guerendo:
“Kiner is intriguing not only because of his pre-draft rank, but also because of his experience in the Bearcats’ zone running scheme. That should make him a solid fit for Kyle Shanahan’s offense, and give Kiner a better chance of making the final roster than most undrafted rookies. With McCaffrey and James also locks, there are likely only a couple spots left in the backfield.
Guerendo should still be viewed as a favorite to earn one of those spots. Still, it’s interesting that the 49ers added a pair of rookies known for their decisive running styles.
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Kiner, PFN’s best-ranked undrafted running back, enjoyed back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons while averaging 5.2 rush yards over his collegiate career. Unlike Guerendo, Kiner finished his tenure in college with a solid pass-catching pedigree, too.
Guerendo had his frustrating moments last season, particularly early when he lacked the patience to exploit holes that had been opened up for him. And his prowess as a pass-catching tailback is very much a work in progress.
Granted, Guerendo’s 5.0 yards-per-carry average looks great on paper, and his speed is undeniable. But it’s fair, as PFN pointed out, to wonder if Shanahan sees a more natural fit with someone like Kiner.
It also wouldn’t be the first (or even second) time Shanahan identified a perfect-fit running back from the undrafted ranks, as Mason fell into this category, while former Niners running back Matt Breida did very much the same back in 2017.
The likelihood, as PFN admitted, is for Guerendo to be the favorite to secure the No. 2 spot on the depth chart behind McCaffrey, but the former is far from a sure thing to do so, especially if Shanahan is already looking at someone like Kiner to play a prominent role right away.
