Last offseason, despite carrying four running backs on the roster heading into the draft, the 49ers selected not one, but two running backs in the draft, taking Ohio State running back Trey Sermon and Louisiana running back Elijah Mitchell.
It's fair to say that they hit on the latter pick, as Mitchell had 207 carries for 963 yards in his rookie season, despite playing in just 11 games.
Now, one year later, the 49ers are in a similar predicament, holding four running backs currently on the roster: Mitchell, Sermon, Jeff Wilson Jr., and JaMycal Hasty.
With another talented running back class, should the 49ers address the position in the draft?
If they choose to, I'd expect it to be in the later rounds, but wouldn't be surprised if the team selected one in the third round due to them being the best player available on the board.
However, as the team has proved time and time again, the 49ers don't need to spend a draft pick to find talent at the position; they've found a number of undrafted free agents who've turned into good role players, including Wilson Jr. and Hasty.
If they look to go the undrafted route, running back Stadford Anderson is an intriguing option.
Anderson, who attended Alcorn State in 2021, is a 6'0, 220-pound back that not only has power, but also the ability to be a change-of-pace back, a trait the 49ers have valued in a player like Elijah Mitchell.
Additionally, Anderson provides the pass-protection element that the 49ers currently lack in their running back room, as well as the chance to contribute on special teams, which the 49ers have looked to improve all offseason.
Anderson doesn't necessarily have to make the roster in 2021 but would be an intriguing project that, under the tutelage of running backs coach Anthony Lynn, could evolve into a solid role player for the 49ers over his career.
The Alcorn State product has low tread on his legs, as opposed to other backs, having played in a running-back- by-committee backfield over the majority of his career. However, don't mistake that for a lack of talent; Anderson showcased his ability to be a lead back against Bethune-Cookman, rushing 26 times for 115 yards and three touchdowns in the game.
Coming from an underrepresented program, Anderson is motivated, and looks forward to making the most of his opportunity ahead of the NFL Draft.
