SI.com's Grant Cohn says undrafted RB Cody Schrader has been the "top rookie" at 49ers camp, where many others have dealt with injuries. "He has been the most consistent rookie on the team," Cohn writes. "He makes big plays as a runner and as a receiver every day. He seems like a veteran, not a rookie." Cohn predicts a "monster preseason" for Schrader and a spot on the regular-season roster.
More from Cohn on Schrader: "He has excellent vision. He's decisive and he's a downhill runner. He doesn't dance in the backfield or constantly bounce runs to the outside. He makes one cut and goes ... which means he's a perfect [fit] in the 49ers outside zone blocking scheme."
Niners FB Kyle Juszczyk, while talking about the whole RB group: "Been particularly impressed with Cody Schrader. He works his absolute tail off. He's very intelligent. He goes out there and just plays a good, consistent, clean game. We've really enjoyed having him."
Even if Schrader makes the regular-season roster, he'll likely be at least a couple injuries away from seeing the field.
Christian McCaffrey will obviously dominate work whenever healthy. A healthy Elijah Mitchell figures to be the next guy up. Veteran Jordan Mason and fourth-round rookie Isaac Guerendo will fight for roles as well.
But Guerendo's currently out with a hamstring injury that could threaten his preseason availability. Mason has just 86 total touches through two pro seasons.
We've seen in the recent past (e.g. Mitchell over Trey Sermon) that HC Kyle Shanahan won't let draft status keep the better performer from earning a role. And Schrader racked up 1,818 total yards on 298 touches as Missouri's feature back in his final college season.
He'll be worth watching through the rest of summer -- and potentially keeping in mind into the season in case of injuries.
Schrader's especially worth stashing where available in dynasty leagues.
There's obviously no guarantee that he turns early camp buzz into any meaningful NFL production. But he's in a good system to take advantage if opportunity arises.
Guerendo gathered some rookie-draft steam after his blazing 40 time and landing with the 49ers. But let the recent paths of Sermon and Ty Davis-Price (both third-round picks) remind you that the player still needs to earn his opportunity.
No one's giving up on Guerendo right now. But it certainly wouldn't help his pursuit if Schrader continues to impress through August.
Mason has been a key special teams player through two seasons. We'll see how the 49ers sort a crowded RB depth chart as the regular-season approaches.
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