Shanahan defends his draft strategy, betting on his evaluation process and Kaelon Black's potential over public opinion.
Kyle Shanahan has a clear message for the draft pundits questioning his decision making. Deal with it. Appearing on Thursday’s episode of The Rich Eisen Show, the San Francisco 49ers’ head coach didn't mince words when addressing the criticism surrounding the team’s third round selection of Indiana running back Kaelon Black. Despite consensus from big boards labeling the move a significant reach, Shanahan doubled down on the organization’s internal process.
“We had [Black] as the second-rated back on the board,” Shanahan told Eisen. “So, that’s just our evaluation of him. Right or wrong, that’s our evaluation. Then you’ve got to decide where you think he’s going to go. And I think that’s the hardest thing with this league.”
The "Gamble" of the Third Round
Black’s path to the 90th overall pick was anything but conventional. After being snubbed from the NFL Scouting Combine in February, most mock drafts projected him as a late Day 3 flyer or even a priority undrafted free agent. However, Black’s production was undeniable, as he averaged 5.6 yards per carry and notched 10 touchdowns for Indiana’s 2025 national championship squad.
For Shanahan, the perceived gap between pick 90 and the fourth round was a negligible price to pay to secure his guy.
“This wasn’t as deep of a draft as years past for running backs,” Shanahan explained. “By the time the draft came, we feel everyone is looking at this guy as a fourth-round pick. And so if everyone is looking at him as a fourth-round pick, man, if we want him, I’ll take him at 90 in the third.”
Shanahan dismissed the "reach" label with a shrug, noting that media perception often fails to align with the reality of the war room. “We’ll be alright, everyone hating on us and judging [the decision]. It doesn’t mean you’re going to be right... What’s the gamble there? ‘Hey man, this won’t look right if we take him in the fourth round so let’s wait 12 more picks?’”
No More "Getting Cute"
The 49ers' coach admitted that his aggressive approach at pick 90 was born from years of draft day heartbreak. He cited the pain of watching a targeted player get snatched up just moments before the 49ers were on the clock.
“Well, yeah, that would be awesome,” Shanahan said regarding the idea of waiting for a better "value" spot. “But I’ve done that so many times in 22 years and then he goes two picks before you and you’re like, ‘Why’d we try to get cute?’”
The Role Ahead
With the draft grades now finalized and the talk show rounds winding down, the focus shifts to the field. Black enters a backfield headlined by Christian McCaffrey, but the 49ers’ recent injury history suggests the rookie will be called upon sooner rather than later.
If Black thrives as a physical, "one-cut" relief back for McCaffrey, the noise about his draft standing will fade. For now, Shanahan is perfectly content letting the critics talk while he prepares his new back for the 2026 campaign.