Should the 49ers consider adding a running back next offseason?
The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2026 NFL season with an explosive offense led by Christian McCaffrey. The former Offensive Player of the Year is a staple in Kyle Shanahan’s offense and a major reason why the 49ers have been successful. However, he’s nearly 30 years old and has struggled with injuries in his past. As a result, they could begin looking for his replacement. One potential option in the 2027 NFL Draft is Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy.
Lacy burst onto the national scene with an exceptional 2025 campaign. He tallied 307 attempts for 1,564 yards and 24 touchdowns. He was the motor behind the Rebels’ offense and helped lead them to the College Football Playoff Semifinal.
While he’s still expected to surpass 1,000 yards next year, Lacy’s workload is expected to decrease with Ole Miss adding transfer Makhi Frazier. The former Michigan State Spartan will be a valuable backup and take some pressure off Lacy. His carries might falter, but the average yards per carry, health, and decreased tread on his legs will make him a better prospect in the long haul.
The five-foot-11, 210-pound running back combines explosiveness with elite elusiveness and power. He forced 89 missed tackles in 2025 and consistently breaks through arm tackles while evading defenders in open space. This dual-threat ability makes him a hassle to bring down, as he can burn a defender in a variety of ways.
Additionally, Lacy has impeccable vision and creativity. He’s patient in the backfield, surveying the field and awaiting an open gap. Once he finds a lane, he uses his superb acceleration to fly through it and reach the second level. If it closes up, he’s able to cut back and find a different avenue forward. This ability is severely underrated in running backs and is the difference between a one-yard gain and breaking off an explosive play.
His blocking doesn’t get much shine, but it sets him apart from the competition. Lacy is superb at protecting the quarterback and takes pride in the area. It will go unnoticed most times, but could be the most important play of the game in certain instances. This will cement him as a three-down running back in the NFL and help him contribute on every down.
Although some may think the 49ers have bigger needs, providing Kyle Shanahan another explosive threat and the potential Christian McCaffrey replacement would be a smart addition in the 2027 NFL Draft. Obviously, it’s too early to say anything definitive, but 49ers’ fans should pay close attention to him throughout the college football season.