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As the San Francisco 49ers navigate their offseason program, the competition behind superstar running back Christian McCaffrey is heating up. While roster spots are far from locked in, one particular rookie is already turning heads in the scouting community.
Renowned NFL draft analyst Greg Cosell recently offered a glowing endorsement of 49ers third-round selection Kaelon Black. He believes that the former Indiana Hoosier could make a push for the primary backup role this season.
"I really liked his tape a lot," Cosell said on the Ross Tucker Football Podcast. "I think that he fits the way the 49ers play offense. He's tough, he's physical, he's got some juice to him, he gets hard yards. It would not surprise me if he earns the job as the backup to McCaffrey."
Black, currently battling for position on a depth chart that features 2025 fifth-rounder Jordan James and veteran Patrick Taylor, is looking to make a swift impact. His transition from the collegiate ranks to the NFL is bolstered by a productive six-year career across James Madison and Indiana. During his time in Bloomington, Black was a steady presence, appearing in all 29 games over his final two seasons. In his 2025 campaign, he recorded 187 carries for 1,039 yards and 10 touchdowns, proving he can handle a significant workload.
The rookie is also already winning the respect of team leaders like George Kittle. In a recent interview, Kittle praised Black's work ethic, mindset and maturity, highlighting why he believes Black is a natural fit for the 49ers' culture.
Black has also been vocal about his desire to change the narrative surrounding the 49ers' history of drafting running backs.
“I don’t want to get grouped with anybody in the past," Black told the San Francisco Chronicle. "I’m really just in my own lane, it’s how I’ve been my whole life.”
While the depth chart remains fluid through training camp, Black’s combination of physicality and vision makes him a player to watch closely as the preseason approaches. If he continues to impress the coaching staff as he has, with analysts like Cosell, don't be shocked if he takes the mantle behind CMC this season.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Greg Cosell wouldn't be surprised if Kaelon Black wins 49ers RB2 job
Continue reading...
Renowned NFL draft analyst Greg Cosell recently offered a glowing endorsement of 49ers third-round selection Kaelon Black. He believes that the former Indiana Hoosier could make a push for the primary backup role this season.
"I really liked his tape a lot," Cosell said on the Ross Tucker Football Podcast. "I think that he fits the way the 49ers play offense. He's tough, he's physical, he's got some juice to him, he gets hard yards. It would not surprise me if he earns the job as the backup to McCaffrey."
Black, currently battling for position on a depth chart that features 2025 fifth-rounder Jordan James and veteran Patrick Taylor, is looking to make a swift impact. His transition from the collegiate ranks to the NFL is bolstered by a productive six-year career across James Madison and Indiana. During his time in Bloomington, Black was a steady presence, appearing in all 29 games over his final two seasons. In his 2025 campaign, he recorded 187 carries for 1,039 yards and 10 touchdowns, proving he can handle a significant workload.
The rookie is also already winning the respect of team leaders like George Kittle. In a recent interview, Kittle praised Black's work ethic, mindset and maturity, highlighting why he believes Black is a natural fit for the 49ers' culture.
Black has also been vocal about his desire to change the narrative surrounding the 49ers' history of drafting running backs.
“I don’t want to get grouped with anybody in the past," Black told the San Francisco Chronicle. "I’m really just in my own lane, it’s how I’ve been my whole life.”
While the depth chart remains fluid through training camp, Black’s combination of physicality and vision makes him a player to watch closely as the preseason approaches. If he continues to impress the coaching staff as he has, with analysts like Cosell, don't be shocked if he takes the mantle behind CMC this season.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Greg Cosell wouldn't be surprised if Kaelon Black wins 49ers RB2 job
Continue reading...
