The San Francisco 49ers bolstered their running back room by drafting Isaac Guerendo in the fourth round this April. Guerendo bolsters a talented group that includes the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Christian McCaffrey, and veterans Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason. He adds speed to the position group.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Guerendo was the fastest running back and the third-fastest player overall, clocking a 4.33-second 40-yard dash. The 49ers have high hopes for the first-year player.
San Francisco has famously missed while drafting running backs in recent years, with players like Ty Davis-Price, Trey Sermon, and Joe Williams not living up to expectations. Yes, the team acquired Mitchell with a sixth-round pick, but his frequent injuries have been a concern.
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Guerendo aims to break the trend of unsuccessful draft picks and is taking proactive steps during the team's time off before training camp to improve his game. He recently shared a video of himself working with San Francisco's all-time leading rusher, Frank Gore (h/t Nicholas McGee of A to Z Sports).
The video also features free agent Melvin Gordon, Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts, and Frank Gore Jr. of the Buffalo Bills.
While working with Gore doesn't guarantee Guerendo a significant role with the 49ers, it certainly boosts his chances of contributing and providing some relief for McCaffrey.
Frank Gore rushed for 11,073 yards over 10 seasons with San Francisco, and his 16,000 career rushing yards rank third all-time in NFL history, behind only Emmitt Smith (18,355) and Walter Payton (16,726).
Gore currently serves as a football personnel advisor for the 49ers front office.
"We're going to have Frank do a little bit of everything to expose him to all that the front office does," general manager John Lynch said last year. "He was with us in draft meetings from time to time. He'll go out on the road with some of our road scouts to make school calls.
"He is a smart football mind, and we want to tap into it and he wants to learn from us, so it's a good thing for everyone involved."
Guerendo and the rest of the 49ers rookies will report for training camp next week, with veterans reporting on July 23.
