The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for their mandatory minicamp, set to take place on June 10 and 11, 2025, and all eyes are on an undrafted free agent (UDFA) who could steal the show. Pro Football Network (PFN) has named running back Corey Kiner as the top 49ers UDFA to watch, and for good reason—this former Cincinnati star is poised to make a significant impact. Overlooked by every NFL team during the 2025 draft, Kiner is now in a prime position to prove he’s a hidden gem, ready to dominate minicamp and potentially secure a spot on the 49ers’ roster.
A Diamond in the Rough
Corey Kiner’s journey to the NFL is the epitome of an underdog story. Despite posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons at Cincinnati and boasting one of the highest missed tackles forced rates in college football, Kiner went undrafted in 2025. His college tape showcased a bruising, reliable running style, perfect for the grind of the NFL. However, questions about his top-end speed and lack of “home run” plays may have scared teams away.
But the 49ers, known for their knack for finding UDFA talent under head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, saw something special in Kiner. His skill set aligns closely with fifth-round pick Jordan James, another compact, tough runner. This similarity gives Kiner a legitimate shot to compete for a roster spot, especially in a system that thrives on versatile running backs who can handle a heavy workload.
PFN highlighted Kiner’s potential to outperform James, noting, “With consecutive 1,000-yard seasons at Cincinnati and one of the highest missed tackles forced rates in the country, Kiner proved he’s built for the grind of the NFL. He may not deliver home runs, but his reliability and toughness could allow him to outperform Niners fifth-round pick Jordan James.” This endorsement underscores why Kiner is being labeled a “monster” ready to make waves.
Why Minicamp Matters
Minicamp is the final chance for players to make an impression before the 49ers break for six weeks until training camp. For UDFAs like Kiner, these sessions are critical. With veterans like Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Nick Bosa commanding attention, Kiner has an opportunity to shine against top competition and show the coaching staff he belongs. The 49ers’ history of giving UDFAs a fair shot—players like Matt Breida and Elijah Mitchell have emerged from undrafted ranks—bodes well for Kiner’s chances.
Kiner’s physicality and ability to break tackles make him a perfect fit for Shanahan’s outside zone scheme, which emphasizes tough, consistent runners who can wear down defenses. His performance at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis further solidified his potential, as he displayed the strength and agility needed to compete at the professional level.
A Challenge to Jordan James
The 49ers’ running back room is crowded, with McCaffrey as the centerpiece and James as a drafted rookie. However, Kiner’s similarities to James—both in size and playing style—set up a direct competition. As PFN noted, Kiner’s ability to force missed tackles and churn out tough yards could give him an edge. The 49ers’ coaching staff, led by Shanahan, has a reputation for prioritizing production over draft status, which means Kiner could leapfrog James with a strong minicamp showing.
CBS Sports also gave Kiner high praise, with analyst Chris Trapasso stating, “I had an early fourth-round grade on Corey Kiner, so he gets the nod as the 49ers UDFA selection.” This high evaluation suggests Kiner was a draft steal, and his performance in minicamp could validate that assessment.
What to Expect from Kiner
At minicamp, expect Kiner to showcase his physical running style, grinding out tough yards and demonstrating his ability to handle contact. His college stats—consistently forcing missed tackles and maintaining durability through high-carry seasons—suggest he’s ready for the NFL’s physical demands. While he may lack elite speed, his vision, patience, and ability to break arm tackles could make him a fan favorite in Santa Clara.
The 49ers’ minicamp will also be a proving ground for Kiner to show he can contribute on special teams, a critical factor for UDFAs aiming to make the roster. His work ethic and toughness, as highlighted by PFN, will be key in earning the trust of the coaching staff.
A Bright Future?
If Kiner dominates minicamp as expected, he could follow in the footsteps of other 49ers UDFA success stories. Posts on X are already buzzing about his potential, with one user noting, “Corey Kiner storms into San Francisco 49ers minicamp determined to prove he’s the undrafted gem.” This sentiment reflects the growing excitement around Kiner’s opportunity to shine.
The 49ers’ 2025 season is shaping up to be a rebound year, with a favorable schedule and a revamped defense under coordinator Robert Saleh. If Kiner can seize this moment, he might not just make the roster but become a key contributor in a backfield that thrives on depth and physicality.
Conclusion
Corey Kiner may have been ignored by the entire NFL during the draft, but the 49ers have unearthed a potential “monster” in this UDFA. With his college production, physical running style, and a golden opportunity at minicamp, Kiner is poised to turn heads and prove he belongs. As the 49ers prepare for their June 10-11 minicamp, keep an eye on this undrafted gem—he might just dominate and carve out a role in San Francisco’s backfield.