The San Francisco 49ers have no pressing need to select a running back in the 2024 NFL Draft, but it would be no surprise, given Kyle Shanahan's history, if they did just that.

San Francisco has picked four running backs in the seven drafts since Shanahan and general manager John Lynch were hired in 2017.

With Christian McCaffrey the focal point of the 49er attack and coming off a 2023 season that saw him win Offensive Player of the Year, the running backs lower down on the depth chart figure to have little opportunity for carries in 2024.

But the 49ers have typically carried four running backs on the roster under Shanahan and, with Elijah Mitchell set to enter unrestricted free agency next offseason, there's reason to believe they could add a rookie runner to their ranks next month.

They will get a close-up look at an under-the-radar back next month, with Austin Jones set to attend their local pro day, per Justin Melo of The Draft Network.

#USC RB Austin Jones will soon attend #49ers Local Day, per source. He's been invited.

Jones was also invited to #Raiders & #Chargers LDs.

Underrated RB with 2,337 yards + 24 career TDs. Career average of 5.4 YPC.

@RockWitAust on @TheDraftNetwork:https://t.co/8i34hGfn6N

— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) March 30, 2024

Jones is a former Stanford and USC tailback who transferred from the Cardinal to spend his final two seasons with the Trojans.

While Jones is not highly regarded in the running back class and was the backup to MarShawn Lloyd for USC, he was very productive throughout his collegiate career.

Indeed, Jones had 26 touchdowns from scrimmage from 2020 to 2023, tied for the fifth most in the Pac 12 in that time.

Only three of those touchdowns came through the air, but Jones had three seasons in which he caught at least 20 passes, reflecting a dual-threat skill set that could make him a more appealing prospect.

Jones is not likely to be drafted highly, but the 49ers have had better fortune with hidden gems at the position such as Mitchell, Matt Breida and Jeff Wilson Jr than they have with with backs on whom they have used third-rounders like Trey Sermon and Tyrion Davis-Price.

As such, Jones' attendance at their pro day could be very useful, and a strong audition from a prospect who once starred just 20 minutes from Levi's Stadium could find his way into San Francisco's plans for the late rounds of the draft or undrafted free agency.

First-round draft miss headlines list of 19 former San Francisco 49ers getting a shot in the UFL

Plenty of familiar faces.