The San Francisco 49ers made eight selections in the 2026 NFL draft, including two in the third round. With the No. 70 overall pick, they grabbed Texas Tech defensive end Romello Height—a player expected to make an immediate impact on the defensive line. But it was their second third-round pick, at No. 90 overall, that has raised eyebrows.

That pick was Indiana running back Kaelon Black, and according to former 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan, it was a missed opportunity. While depth is always valuable, McCloughan believes Black is at best two injuries away from seeing significant playing time—and even then, he doesn't see a starter's ceiling.

"He just doesn't have the 'it' factor," McCloughan told The Athletic. "Everything's above average, but nothing is really good. And he split time in Indiana's backfield. That coach (Curt Cignetti) isn't going to split time if they've got a legit back."

Black's college numbers tell a story of solid production: 2,261 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 5.1 yards per carry, plus 52 catches for 473 yards and six scores over 51 games at James Madison and Indiana. But McCloughan's critique goes beyond stats—it's about the player's overall potential and fit.

"I wasn't negative on Black," McCloughan clarified. "It was just, he's not a starter. I would have rather taken an offensive lineman, a defensive lineman, or a corner. Or a big wide receiver. Because they were still on the board. I think the 49ers could have waited. But still—to each, their own. If you like somebody and you've got the pick and he's on your board, take him."

McCloughan's point is sharpened by what happened immediately after the 49ers' pick. In the six selections that followed at No. 90, four players went off the board who could have filled more pressing needs: Texas A&M center Trey Zuhn III, Missouri offensive tackle Keagen Trost, Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell, and Iowa offensive tackle Gennings Dunker. Any of them, McCloughan argued, would have been a better value.

With 2025 fifth-round pick Jordan James already slated as Christian McCaffrey's primary backup, Black enters a crowded backfield. For McCloughan, the 49ers' Day 2 decision was less about the player and more about the opportunity cost—and in a draft class with talent still on the board, he believes San Francisco chose the wrong direction.