With his “Opportunity” and “Coaching Scheme” scores skyrocketing as the expected 49ers Featured Back, Jerick McKinnon now drips in RB1 upside.
Kyle Shanahan’s “Zone Blocking” run game has facilitated monster RB1 seasons whenever the talent fits the scheme… and even when it doesn’t (cough, Carlos Hyde, cough). In fact, five of Shanahan’s last 6 lead backs have been Top 15 fantasy producers, including monster outputs most recently from Devonta Freeman and Alfred Morris, while “stalwarts” like Steve Slaton have notched over 1,500 total yards and 10 TDs in this offense. McKinnon is set to be the next featured monster, according to Shanahan’s mouth (and the 49ers wallet). McKinnon is now the league’s fourth richest back thanks to a monster 4-year, $30 million deal — not “complementary” money by any means. Moreover, Shanahan has done nothing but heap praise since signing the versatile back: “I got lost watching his film, there’s so much I liked,”; “He’s an issue for teams,”; “He’s good on third down… and also first and second.” Apparently, Shanahan has found his next horse, which is a fantasy football bet I’ll always hammer. All signs point to a monster 1,500+ total yard, 8-10 TD, 50+ reception season. For more on the Shanahan’s Zone Blocking Scheme and McKinnon’s fit in it, click here.
