Overview
- Kaelon Black, taken 90th overall by San Francisco, said the criticism drives him to “prove my coach right” after head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed the team graded him as the class’s No. 2 running back.
- Rookie minicamp is underway, and Black said his first NFL moment hit when he found his locker next to All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner as he set out to learn the offense and earn trust.
- Early evaluations project Black as depth behind Christian McCaffrey with a possible third‑down role thanks to strong pass protection, competing with Jordan James, Isaac Guerendo, Patrick Taylor and Sincere McCormick for snaps.
- Black rushed for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025 for national champion Indiana, yet public boards ranked him far lower and he lacked a Combine invite, highlighting the gap between consensus and the 49ers’ grade.
- General manager John Lynch and Shanahan point to Black’s receiving flashes at James Madison and the Senior Bowl, a bet that could help spell McCaffrey if the rookie proves he can handle passing downs after limited targets at Indiana.