The San Francisco 49ers have added another running back to their roster, selecting Kaelon Black out of Indiana with the No. 90 overall pick in the third round of the NFL Draft on Friday night.
Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers’ head coach, has a well-documented preference for drafting running backs in the mid-rounds, and this selection continues that trend. Black brings experience and versatility to a backfield that has thrived under Shanahan’s system.
Black’s college career spanned five seasons, including four at James Madison before transferring to Indiana in 2024 to reunite with head coach Curt Cignetti. While he did not start for the Hoosiers during their 2025 championship season, Black still made a significant impact:
- Rushed for 1,039 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024.
- Finished his collegiate career with 2,595 rushing yards, 17 rushing touchdowns, 55 receptions, 528 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns across 56 games (15 starts).
His production, particularly in scoring situations, makes him an intriguing addition to a 49ers team that has consistently featured elite running back play under Shanahan’s leadership.
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