Former Indiana running back Kaelon Black is heading out west as a third-round draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers. Black was selected with the 90th overall pick and is the fourth member of the 2025 national championship team to be selected.
What the 49ers are Getting?
The 49ers landed one of the more underrated running backs in the draft. Black ran for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns for IU last season. He runs angrily and is a violent pass blocker in blitz protection.
“Get what is blocked” runner with good size and above-average aggression as a finisher. Black split carries in Indiana’s downhill attack and generally kept the run on its designed track. He lacks ideal burst and utilizes too many stutter-steps in processing the run lane while headed to the hole. He’s not elusive inside but will add yards with his tackle-breaking and fall-forward running style. Black is a grinder with below-average third-down value, but he could create competition for a RB3/4 role in camp.” – NFL.com
What is Black’s 2026 Outlook?
The 49ers have a few talented backs on the roster already, including Christian McCaffery. In the modern NFL, teams use many running backs and Black should be able to make the active roster and develop into a rotational player.
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