The San Francisco 49ers made eight picks in the 2026 NFL draft, including two in the third round, taking Texas Tech defensive end Romello Height at No. 70 overall and Indiana running back Kaelon Black at No. 90 overall.
While San Francisco hopes that Height will make a significant impact as a rookie, the opposite is true of Black, as that would mean something happened to starting running back Christian McCaffrey.
With 2025 fifth-round pick Jordan James slated to be McCaffrey’s backup, Black is probably two injuries away from starting, and while it’s important to have backups, at least one person with ties to the 49ers doesn’t see Black as a potential starter at any point.
“He just doesn’t have the ‘it’ factor,” former 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan told “The Athletic” last week. “Everything’s above average, but nothing is really good. And he split time (in Indiana’s backfield). And that coach (Curt Cignetti) is not going to split time if they’ve got a legit back.”
Black rushed for 2,261 yards and 16 touchdowns on 5.1 yards per attempt and caught 52 passes for 473 yards and six touchdowns in 51 games over four years between James Madison and Indiana.
McCloughan went on to explain why taking Black wasn’t the right choice for the 49ers at the time.
“I wasn’t negative on (Black),” McCloughan said. “It was just, he’s not a starter. I would have rather taken an offensive lineman or a defensive lineman or a corner. Or a big wide receiver. Because they were on the board still. I think (the 49ers) could have waited (to take Black). But still — to each, their own. If you like somebody and you’ve got the pick and he’s on your board, take him.”
Texas A&M center Trey Zuhn III, Missouri offensive tackle Keagen Trost, Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell and Iowa offensive tackle Gennings Dunker all went within the six picks following the 49ers at No. 90. McCloughan likely would’ve preferred any of them, as they would’ve addressed other needs.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Former GM believes 49ers made wrong choice on Day 2 of 2026 NFL draft
Reporting by Mike Masala, Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
