Tyrion Davis-Price really needs to stand out during 49ers' training camp
Danny Gray is one of the San Francisco 49ers' 2022 draft picks that needs to have a very good training camp/preseason in order to make the team and as it turns out, RB Tyrion Davis-Price is in the same mold. Both players were taken in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft and so […]
Danny Gray is one of the San Francisco 49ers' 2022 draft picks that needs to have a very good training camp/preseason in order to make the team and as it turns out, RB Tyrion Davis-Price is in the same mold.
Both players were taken in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft and so far, both players are on track to be looking for new homes. Unless they really wow their coaches, of course.
Davis-Price was given a great opportunity in Week 2 when the 49ers gave him snaps in place of an injured Elijah Mitchell, but the former LSU Tiger couldn't take advantage of the opportunity. There was easily more disappointment than production, as TDP eventually finished the year averaging just 2.9 yards per carry.
As we all know, the 49ers traded for Christian McCaffrey before the trade deadline and things have taken off, since. The team also has two solid backups, when healthy, in Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason. There are a couple of UDFAs in the mix, as well, but the key with the three aforementioned players is the fact all three can also catch out of the backfield. Meaning, they are going to play more snaps than a typical two-down back.
In other words: the 49ers don't really need to carry more than three running backs on their roster. The biggest reason for rolling with four would be Mitchell's injury history and while that's a legit reason, it shouldn't factor into other roster decisions.
Davis-Price isn't really known for his catching prowess, either, and that's not good for a running back in a Kyle Shanahan-led offense. Catching out of the backfield is key for versatile offenses and it's something Shanahan needs to have in order for his offense to operate at max impact/efficiency.
There's zero doubt Davis-Price has a really tough hill to climb over the following weeks and months. If not, then it's safe to chalk him up as another failed 49ers third-rounder.
Three 49ers players that came out of minicamp as winners
All three 49ers players have some solid momentum heading into training camp.
Featured image via Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
