The San Francisco 49ers enter training camp on July 22 with many interesting position battles. Many fans' eyes will be on the wide receiver room, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Brandon Aiyuk’s return. The 49ers will need someone to step up into the No. 2 wide receiver role. However, the running back room will also be an interesting group to watch.
All-Pro back Christian McCaffrey is set to return after missing most of last season with Achilles and PCL injuries. Beyond McCaffrey, the running back depth chart is wide open. Though it's expected that second-year runner Isaac Guerendo assumes the RB.2 role, he may have multiple rookies pushing him for that spot.
If that's the case, 49ers special-teams ace Patrick Taylor will be cut by the end of the preseason.
Undrafted Rookie Corey Kiner May Take Patrick Taylor's Roster Spot in 2025
After spending three seasons with the Green Bay Packers, San Francisco signed Taylor to a one-year deal during the 2024 offseason. In 2024, the 27-year-old rushed 39 times for 183 yards and scored one touchdown while averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
While that's decent success on the ground, he was recognized more for his special-teams contributions. Taylor played on both the kickoff and punt coverage units. This is why San Francisco re-signed him to a one-year deal this offseason.
That said, undrafted running back Corey Kiner has a chance to push for and even overtake Taylor on the depth chart during training camp. Kiner, who originally committed to LSU in 2021, finished his college career with the Cincinnati Bearcats. In three seasons with the Bearcats, he recorded 477 carries for 2,562 yards and 14 touchdowns.
💤💤💤SLEEPER ALERT💤💤💤
— Dave Heilman NFL (@DynastyDorks) April 7, 2025
RB - Corey Kiner - Cincinnati
Missed Forced Tackles
1. Ashton Jeanty - 125
2. Cam Skattebo - 82
2. Corey Kiner - 82
4. Omarion Hampton - 73
Elusive Rating PFF
1. Ashton Jeanty - 217.6
2. Corey Kiner - 163.8
3. Brayshul Tuten - 143.2
PFF Rush Grade… pic.twitter.com/YDIbSFzdKt
His best two seasons came as a junior and senior, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards each year. In 2024, Kiner tallied 204 carries for 1,153 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 5,7 yards per carry. Furthermore, he ranked fourth in the FBS in broken tackles with 82.
Although Kiner lacks breakaway speed, running just a 4.57 40-yard dash, the 49ers have had success with slower running backs as well. Backs like Matt Breida and Jordan Mason both had success in Kyle Shanahan's system.
If Kiner is able to show promise during training camp, he may be the 49ers' next undrafted success story.