Kaelon Black

Kaelon Black News

Kaelon Black Battling for an Important Insurance Role

After not even receiving an invite to the NFL Combine, the San Francisco 49ers selected running back Kaelon Black in the third round of the 2026 Draft, making him the third running back off the board, after only first-rounders Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. While head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have gotten uninspired returns from the running backs they've drafted in recent years, particularly those viewed as reaches by the draft community, as was Black, there is no denying the favorable situation the rookie finds himself in. Four-time All-Pro Christian McCaffrey recently turned 30 and is coming off a season in which he touched the ball a career-high 450 times, and with Brian Robinson Jr. departing in free agency, Black's biggest competition for primary backup duties comes from 2025 fifth-rounder Jordan James. As a rookie, James did not register a single offensive stat until taking over late in the team's Divisional Round blowout loss to the Seahawks, but a year in the system could give him an early edge heading into 2026. While RotoBaller currently has neither ranked as a top 50 fantasy back for redraft leagues, the training camp battle between Black and James will be one to monitor, and should either gain a demonstrative edge, they will force their way into the late-round discussion for 2026 drafts.

Jul 9, 2026 5:24 AM EST

Kaelon Black Well-Positioned for Dynasty Success Following NFL Draft

After recording 1,040 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 186 carries across 16 games for the University of Indiana in 2025, running back Kaelon Black was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Black's path to immediate playing time is blocked off by all-world 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, who has led the NFL in touches in two out of the last three seasons. However, McCaffrey has also played seven games or fewer in three out of his last five campaigns. Black likely enters his rookie season in a battle with Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo for the RB2 role in San Francisco. Both James and Guerendo offer some upside, but neither has proven worthy of a consistent role at the NFL level. If Black emerges as the 49ers' lead backup in training camp, his upside as a handcuff option would be through the roof. Additionally, with McCaffrey entering his age-30 season, Black could be a key part of San Francisco's future at the running back position. His dynasty stock is rising following the NFL Draft.

May 2, 2026 11:43 AM EST

49ers Select Kaelon Black With 90th Overall Pick

The San Francisco 49ers have selected University of Indiana running back Kaelon Black with the 90th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Black spent the first two years of his college career at James Madison before transferring to Indiana for his final two collegiate seasons. Across 16 games with the Hoosiers in 2025, he recorded 1,040 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 186 carries. Black had just eight total receptions across his final 29 games in college, so he doesn't profile as much of a receiver out of the backfield. However, he's considered to be a physical downhill runner who could excel in short-yardage situations at the NFL level. With the 49ers, Black could have a chance to emerge as the primary backup to star San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey with a strong showing in training camp.

Apr 24, 2026 6:52 PM EST