The San Francisco 49ers added a duo of running backs last season, selecting Tyrion Davis-Price in the third round, while signing Jordan Mason as an undrafted free agent.
Despite an injury to Elijah Mitchell in Week 1, neither running back saw an enhanced role, although Mason looked the part in training camp and the preseason.
When provided an opportunity later in the season, Mason shined, averaging six yards per carry, while being used as a "closer" in certain situations for the 49ers.
After a productive season in Year 1 during his limited opportunities, can Jordan Mason elevate on the depth chart and potentially unseat Elijah Mitchell to become Christian McCaffrey's primary backup in 2023?
While I questioned Mason's lack of usage early in the season as Jeff Wilson Jr.'s backup in 2022, the addition of Christian McCaffrey obviously created a logjam at the position, especially once Elijah Mitchell returned from injury.
Mason was a clear bruiser, and successful at that. But, with the difference McCaffrey brought to the team, specifically as a third-down back, there were fit questions that potentially kept the undrafted rookie off the field.
However, that might be changing in 2023, as early reports have shown Mason being fluid with the ball in his hands as a pass-catcher, as he showcased glimpses of during training camp last season.
Here's what The Athletic's Matt Barrows had to say on the emphasis on pass-catching out of the backfield during the open OTA practices.
"As a result, route running and pass catching are a major emphasis for the running back group this season. Mason, in particular, has seemed to make strides. He's caught a lot of passes in the two practices that have been open to reporters so far. And while Davis-Price had a drop last week, he had a long reception on a nice touch pass from Brandon Allen in Wednesday's session," Barrows shared.
With Mason already having success as a first and second-down back, the second-year running back could see a bump in playing time if he proves to be a capable third-down weapon as a receiver, opening the arsenal of plays that Kyle Shanahan can call when he's on the field.
Add Mason's emergence and consistency to the injuries that Elijah Mitchell has faced during his career, there's an argument for the undrafted free agent to cement himself as the primary backup to McCaffrey.
While it would be smarter depth-wise to retain Mitchell, there's also a possibility of a trade prior to the season, which would be a statement about the team's confidence in Mason as well.
Regardless, the second-year running back was a clear standout from Day 1, and a year of improvement, both as a runner and as a pass-catcher, should put him in a competition with Mitchell for the backup spot.
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