Story perspectives

49ers Draft Indiana RB Kaelon Black as McCaffrey Backup

5/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The San Francisco 49ers drafted Indiana running back Kaelon Black with the No. 90 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said Black averaged about five yards per carry in the College Football Playoffs, contributing to Indiana’s national-title win.
He recorded 1,040 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 186 carries in 2025, making him a backup if running back Christian McCaffrey—who logged 413 touches and 17 touchdowns—misses games.

History

Historical Context

After the Dallas Cowboys traded up to pick Emmitt Smith 17th overall in the 1990 NFL Draft, he amassed 18,355 rushing yards and 164 touchdowns, powering three Super Bowl titles in the 1990s. That success showed the value of a work-horse back behind a star offense, a model the San Francisco 49ers echoed by taking Kaelon Black with the 90th pick in the current draft.

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Story summary

The San Francisco 49ers drafted Indiana running back Kaelon Black with the No. 90 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said Black averaged about five yards per carry in the College Football Playoffs, contributing to Indiana’s national-title win.
He recorded 1,040 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 186 carries in 2025, making him a backup if running back Christian McCaffrey—who logged 413 touches and 17 touchdowns—misses games.

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