FUTURE 49ERS: Jadarian Price in Round 2 or is Demond Caliborne the Speed RB Needed in the Draft?

In this episode of Locked On 49ers, hosts Brian Peacock and Eric Crocker break down the top running back prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on four key players: Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price, Arkansas’ Mike Washington Jr., Wake Forest’s DeMond Claiborne, and Nebraska’s Emmitt Johnson. The discussion centers on how each player fits the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive scheme under Kyle Shanahan, particularly in supporting Christian McCaffrey. Jadarian Price is praised as a complete, versatile back with strong vision, patience, and a physical style reminiscent of Jordan Mason, though his size and combine numbers raise questions. Mike Washington Jr. is lauded for his explosive downhill speed and power but criticized for limited lateral agility. DeMond Claiborne emerges as a standout for his elite speed, vision, and ability to create explosive plays—ideal for Shanahan’s outside zone offense—making him a strong late-round target. Emmitt Johnson is seen as a solid, productive player with high production but lacking standout traits, drawing comparisons to Garrison Hurst in running style. The hosts debate whether the 49ers should target a running back early or wait for a high-upside, speed-focused option in the later rounds. Key takeaways include: 1) DeMond Claiborne is the best fit for the 49ers’ need for speed and explosive plays; 2) Jadarian Price offers a complete, reliable backfield presence with high upside in the late second round; 3) Mike Washington Jr. is a powerful runner but may not fit Shanahan’s lateral movement demands; 4) Emmitt Johnson is a productive but unspectacular option, best suited for a day-three pick. The episode concludes with a call for listener engagement on future draft topics and a reminder of the upcoming draft timeline.