With The First Pick
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49ers: 4 2021 NFL Draft replacement RBs for Raheem Mostert

By Cory Kinnan

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 2: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers sits in the locker room before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 2, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-20. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 2: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers sits in the locker room before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 2, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-20. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /
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2021 NFL Draft: Kenneth Gainwell could replace Raheem Mostert for the 49ers. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
2021 NFL Draft: Kenneth Gainwell could replace Raheem Mostert for the 49ers. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Kenneth Gainwell, Memphis

Another Tiger after Etienne, Memphis running back Kenneth Gainwell has been the darling of the draft community to this point in the pre-draft process. Memphis has pumped out back-to-back third round running backs in Darrell Henderson and Antonio Gibson over the last two seasons, and Gainwell looks as though he may just go higher in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Bringing to his game a ton of versatility, Gainwell has proven to be a capable receiver out of the backfield at Memphis, and is a strong runner between the tackle, making him a top running back in this class. Entering his redshirt sophomore season, Gainwell is coming off of a highly productive season splitting carries with Gibson, now at the NFL level with Washington.

Tallying a massive 1,459 yards on the ground for the Tigers in 2019, Gainwell averaged over six yards per carry and scored six touchdowns. On top of that, Gainwell racked up 610 yards and three additional touchdowns as a receiver out of the backfield on 51 catches. As just a redshirt freshman, Gainwell tallied over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns at Memphis.

As Gibson has departed for the NFL, Gainwell has a chance to see even more touches for the Tigers in 2020 as he looks to vie for a high draft selection this upcoming April.