ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the San Francisco 49ers had an early interest in free-agent running back Gio Bernard in free agency before Bernard signed with Tampa Bay. The Niners have been looking for a pass-catching running back since the Kyle Shanahan, and John Lynch regime began but have swung and missed in that category.
How early is too early for a running back in this upcoming draft? If Alabama’s Najee Harris is available at No. 43 overall, someone in the 49ers front office may have to tie Shanahan down to avoid taking the top running back in the draft.