The 49ers surprised everyone by selecting Black in Round 3 of the NFL Draft. He's coming off a solid season for the Hoosiers in 2025 with 186 carries for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns and four catches for 36 yards in 16 games, but he turns 25 in October and joins a crowded running back room. Christian McCaffrey remains the lead running back for San Francisco, and Black will compete with Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo for backup duties. The winner of that battle could be an important Fantasy asset as a handcuff since McCaffrey turns 30 in June and just had 450 total touches in 2025. But it also could be a committee if McCaffrey were to miss any time. We'll keep an eye on what happens in training camp, and Black could be a great selection with a late-round pick in all Fantasy leagues. In rookie-only drafts for Dynasty leagues, Black is worth drafting in Round 3. If things go right for Black, he could be the running back of the future in San Francisco in 2027 and beyond.
Fantasy News
49ers' Kaelon Black: In RB2 mix behind CMC
Rotowire
Black is set to compete with recent draft picks Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo for backup touches behind Christian McCaffrey, Grant Gordon of NFL.com reports.
Black was viewed by many as a reach in the third round, though 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan defended the pick by saying the team viewed Black as the second-best running back in the 2026 Draft class behind third overall pick Jeremiyah Love. San Francisco hasn't had much success drafting running backs in recent years and has yet to get much production out of James (a 2025 fifth-round pick) or Guerendo (a 2024 fourth-round pick). McCaffrey remains the team's undisputed lead back while healthy.
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49ers' Kaelon Black: Picked by 49ers
Rotowire
The 49ers selected Black in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 90th overall.
This was highly unexpected. There really is a lot to like about Black following his standout showing at Indiana, but he caught only 55 receptions in six collegiate seasons and turns 25 in October. Black does look good as a pure runner, boasting a hot motor and decent speed (4.46-second pro day 40) at 5-foot-9, 211 pounds, but second-year man Jordan James remains a strong candidate to serve as the RB2 behind Christian McCaffrey for the foreseeable future.
