4 years agoTrey Sermon eclipsed 2,000 rushing yards (2,076) and generated 22 touchdowns during three seasons at Oklahoma. He also failed to emerge as the Sooners' leading rusher during his tenure and finished his collegiate career at Ohio State. He did pace the Buckeyes in attempts (116) and rushing yards (870) during a shortened season in 2020. Sermon also delivered a pair of encouraging performances during the postseason, by stockpiling 331 rushing yards during the Big Ten Championship Game and amassing 254 total yards in the Sugar Bowl. The 49ers traded up for the opportunity to select Sermon in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, which has placed him in a position to seize a significant role in the 49ers' backfield. He joins a depth chart that already included Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., and JaMycal Hasty, before the 49ers added former Giant Wayne Gallman in free agency, then invested in both Sermon and Elijah Mitchell during the draft. Wilson's meniscus tear will sideline him until at least Week 8. This eliminated one potential obstacle for Sermon, who should join Mostert in confiscating the majority of touches that are distributed within the backfield. The 6'0", 215-pound Sermon can supply a physical presence while operating as a one-cut runner. This could help him perform proficiently in Kyle Shanahan's outside zone rushing scheme. Fantasy managers can confidently select him at his current ADPs in dynasty startup drafts (52/RB23), and best ball leagues (69/RB28), due to the favorable blend of his talent and the opportunity that awaits in Shanahan's attack.--Phil Clark - RotoBaller