Some of the 49ers’ best players under Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch have been undrafted free agents.
Some of the 49ers’ best players under Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch have been undrafted free agents.
We’re talking Jordan Mason, Raheem Mostert, Azeez Al-Shaair, Kendrick Bourne and Emmanuel Moseley. None of them were drafted. All of them became key contributors for the 49ers. So it’s worth getting to know the 49ers’ undrafted free agents. Chances are one of them will make the team at some point.
This year, the 49ers’ most exciting undrafted free agent addition is Cincinnati running back Corey Kiner according to Bleacher Report.
“San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is known for plucking running backs out of relative obscurity and turning them into productive ball-carriers,” writes Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski.
“It’s not any stretch of imagination to think undrafted free agent Corey Kiner could be the next in line.
The San Francisco 49ers have long been known for their ability to discover and develop talent overlooked in the NFL Draft, and 2025 is no exception. Among the undrafted free agents (UDFAs) signed by the team, running back Corey Kiner from Cincinnati has emerged as the most intriguing addition. But why would the 49ers place their faith in a player who went unselected through all seven rounds of the draft? Let’s dive into the reasons behind this bold decision.
A History of Success with UDFAs
Under the leadership of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, the 49ers have turned numerous UDFAs into key contributors. Jordan Mason, Raheem Mostert, Azeez Al-Shaair, Kendrick Bourne, and Emmanuel Moseley are prime examples. These once-unknown players became unsung heroes, making significant impacts on the team’s success. This track record has given the 49ers confidence in betting on Corey Kiner, a running back with potential that other teams overlooked.
Corey Kiner’s Hidden Potential
Corey Kiner is no stranger to those who follow college football. Over the past two seasons at Cincinnati, Kiner racked up 2,200 rushing yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. His strength lies in his patient running style, ability to find gaps in the defense, and effectiveness within a zone-blocking scheme—a system the 49ers have mastered under Shanahan. According to Bleacher Report, Kiner’s playing style is comparable to Jordan James, a running back the 49ers selected in the fifth round this year, but Kiner brings added experience and consistency.
Beyond his impressive stats, Kiner showcased his ability to create big plays, forcing 82 missed tackles on just 204 carries in the 2024 season, per CBSSports. This figure outshines many drafted running backs, highlighting his potential for explosive runs. For a team like the 49ers, whose offense heavily relies on a strong rushing attack, Kiner is a promising fit.
A Real Opportunity in the Roster
Another reason the 49ers are banking on Kiner is the genuine opportunity for him to secure a spot on the roster. Currently, Kiner will compete directly with Patrick Taylor Jr. for a place on the 53-man roster. If he performs well during training camp and preseason games, Kiner has a strong chance of surpassing Taylor Jr. Additionally, the fact that the 49ers only drafted one other running back (Jordan James) in the fifth round suggests they are not entirely settled at the position, opening the door for Kiner to prove his worth.
Moreover, Kiner’s playing style aligns perfectly with Kyle Shanahan’s offensive philosophy. He is not only a powerful runner but also versatile enough to adapt to various situations, from rushing to catching passes out of the backfield. This flexibility makes him an ideal candidate for the 49ers’ creative offensive scheme.
A Hunger to Prove Himself
Another critical factor is Kiner’s “hungry” mindset. As an undrafted free agent, he carries the motivation to prove that every team made a mistake by passing on him. As noted in an SI.com article, the 49ers are looking for players with a burning desire to contribute, especially after a disappointing 6-11 season in 2024. Kiner’s energy and determination could make him one of the players who helps the team regain its form.
Conclusion
The San Francisco 49ers’ decision to bet on Corey Kiner is far from random. With their proven history of developing UDFAs, Kiner’s alignment with the team’s offensive system, and a real opportunity to earn a roster spot, the 49ers have every reason to believe they’ve found a diamond in the rough. Can Kiner follow in the footsteps of predecessors like Jordan Mason or Raheem Mostert to become an unexpected star? Only time will tell, but it’s clear the 49ers see something special in this overlooked player.