San Francisco 49ers added two great fits at RB in 2021 NFL Draft

The San Francisco 49ers have built a great offense under Kyle Shanahan, of which a major part is the running game. Shanahan’s scheme has been extremely running back friendly, and many backs have had success over the past several years. From Matt Breida to Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert, everyone in the backfield turns to gold.

Now, with the contracts of Mostert and Wilson expiring after the 2021 season, along with Wayne Gallman’s, it is time for a new wave of talent at the position. The 49ers made sure to add to a now dominant committee, selecting both Trey Sermon and Elijah Mitchell in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The best news for the San Francisco 49ers is that both running backs are great fits for the system.

The wide/outside zone scheme Shanahan runs puts a lot of focus on offensive linemen pushing defenders out wide to create lanes. It requires some manipulation and movement skills from running backs as well, and that’s where Sermon and Mitchell come in.

Sermon had a bit of a rough start to his 2020 campaign with the Ohio State Buckeyes but slowly grew more accustomed to the zone variations of their running game. Once he got accustomed, he produced at an otherworldly level, putting up 331 yards against Northwestern and 193 yards against Clemson.

When it comes to traits, Sermon’s flexibility, combined with his improving vision to see cutback lanes, are positive signs that he should receive a good bundle of the load in the offense in 2021. His burst can contribute to chunk plays in the running game, which could help even more if rookie quarterback Trey Lance starts earlier rather than later. Sermon flashes good balance through contact and recovery skills as well, and is a reliable pass catcher, despite a limited route tree.

Adding to Sermon’s skill set is Louisiana’s Elijah Mitchell. Mitchell has the track speed to be a home run hitter in Shanahan’s offense, and he shows the ability to read second-level defenders and set them up to create yardage. His vision will be an important asset in a wide zone scheme.

Having two running backs who fit perfectly in their scheme will greatly benefit the San Francisco 49ers for the long term. Sermon and Mitchell complement each other well, like a thunder and lightning.

The 49ers’ offense is still a dangerous one through the air, and it now has more juice at the running back position than ever before under Shanahan. The NFC West is in for a long ride.