Former sixth-round pick Elijah Mitchell recorded 1,100 yards from scrimmage as a rookie, but the 49ers could look to trade him after just three seasons. Despite defying all odds in Year 1, injuries and the presence of star running back Christian McCaffrey have limited him to just 16 games and 581 yards of scrimmage over the past two seasons. Last year was particularly worrisome for the veteran, as he averaged just 3.7 yards per carry despite playing in a system famous for boosting running back production.
Now entering the final year of his contract, the 49ers could trade or even cut Elijah Mitchell. One Bleacher Report article suggests cutting the veteran, but it’s hard to envision Kyle Shanahan and company parting ways with him for nothing. Few organizations are stronger believers in the importance of running backs, so they won’t part ways with him without a return. However, he could be available for the right price.
Puni was running with the second team at right guard early in OTAs. But that doesn’t mean he’ll be relegated to backup duty all season. Offensive line coach Chris Foerster explained what he liked about Puni coming out of the draft and compared and contrasted him to the Niners’ starting left guard, Aaron Banks:
