The 49ers drafting a running back in the 2021 NFL draft wasn’t a surprise. It was definitely unexpected to see them go that route a second time though. San Francisco drafted Ohio State RB Trey Sermon No. 88 overall, then snagged Louisiana RB Eli Mitchell with the 194th pick. It was the first time since 1991 that the 49ers picked two running backs in the same draft.
In the ’91 draft they picked Ricky Watters out of Notre Dame No. 45 overall, and Sheldon Canley from San Jose State with the No.193 selection.
Neither player suited up for the 49ers during their rookie seasons. Watters wound up having a nice career, including five trips consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl that started in 1992 when he first suited up for San Francisco. He was also a key member of their championship club in 1994. Canley only played one game in 1992 for the Jets.
The 49ers would be thrilled if one of their picks turned into Watters. Given their other needs when Williams came off the board though, he needs to have a much more notable career than Canley.
San Francisco’s penchant for finding top talent at RB in the undrafted free agent market bodes well for their two draft picks, but it’s an awfully big investment they haven’t made in the position in 30 years.
