49ers’ third-round RB Kaelon Black embraces criticism after No. 90 pick

The San Francisco 49ers’ decision to select Indiana running back Kaelon Black with the No. 90 overall pick has drawn criticism from some drasources analysts, who questioned the value of taking him in the third round.

General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have defended the selection, emphasizing that the team’s internal evaluation led them to make the pick.

Black, for his part, says he has noticed the public reaction and is using it as motivation heading into his rookie season. He has said he is focused on proving the 49ers’ evaluation right.

At Indiana, Black rushed for 251 yards in 2024 and followed that up with a 2025 season in which he finished with 1,040 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He also added four receptions for 36 yards.