The San Francisco 49ers were widely criticized for their 2026 draft class, especially the selection of running back Kaelon Black in the third round when they had Christian McCaffrey and Jordan James set to be their top two running backs.
However, Black has impressed in his limited opportunities in training camp and the preseason after dealing with an injury this summer.
Now, ESPN's Seth Walder has a bold prediction for Black's rookie season.
"Rookie running back Kaelon Black will record at least 650 rushing yards as the 49ers -- for real this time -- take it easy on Christian McCaffrey's workload," Walder wrote. "That would be 250 more rushing yards than last year's backup running back, Brian Robinson Jr."
McCaffrey led the league in touches in 2025
with 413 (311 carries and 102 receptions). The 49ers would be wise to take it easy on the All-Pro as he enters his age-30 season.
Black rushed for 61 yards on 5.1 yards per attempt in preseason. Hopefully he can keep that level of efficiency against opposing starters when head coach Kyle Shanahan calls his number during his rookie campaign.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL analyst predicts large role for unexpected 49ers rookie
