Which non-QB offseason addition will be the most valuable for the 49ers this season?

The makeup of the 49ers roster will look much different this year. There won’t be a Kendrick Bourne to man the slot or a revolving door at center and right guard. Instead, we’ll see a pair of new running backs, along with, perhaps, a new starting weakside linebacker.

The second-team defensive line will be an entire cast of new names, from Zach Kerr, Maurice Hurst, and Arden Key; it may take some time getting used to. And who knows where Samson Ebukam fits in, but we do know he’ll be on the field.

The easy answer to the article’s question would be Trey Lance, but that’s a cop-out. So instead, let’s talk through the available list of options.

RB Trey Sermon

The “other” Trey couldn’t have asked for a better situation to walk into. San Francisco invested in its offensive line heavily this offseason, and the running backs should reap the benefits.

Whether Raheem Mostert stays healthy or not, Sermon is set to receive his fair share of carries no matter what now that Jeff Wilson Jr. is out at least six games after tearing his meniscus.

Kyle Shanahan taking a running back in the third round feels like any other team taking a running back in the top-15. Then, of course, he has to stay healthy, but Sermon feels like the leader in the clubhouse when it comes to value-added.

RB Elijah Mitchell

That’s unless Mitchell steals the show. I keep coming back both running backs and how comfortable they are catching the ball out of the backfield. The biggest difference between Mitchell and Sermon is their speed.

Sermon ran a 4.58 40-yard dash, which is only considered slow on the internet. Mitchell ran a 4.33, which is considered superhuman fast no matter where you go. That game-breaking ability could be precisely what the Niners’ offense was looking for in the passing game.

C Alex Mack

Going from a former player who played in a league that was created in recent years as your starting center to a former All-Pro and Pro Bowler who doesn’t let anything get by him in pass protection has to be the most significant upgrade on the roster.

Mack’s on an affordable contract, which has to be factored in when discussing value, but he’s also playing one of the most important positions in Shanahan’s offense. The center makes the protection calls, and he’s going to help both Jimmy Garoppolo and Lance by taking some of the workload off their plate.

EDGE Samson Ebukam

He’s the ultimate wild card. Ebukam could have a breakout season where he gets ten sacks thanks to that No. 97 guy opposite of him. There’s a scenario where Ebukam ends up being the perfect fit along the defensive line with his blend of athleticism and effort while learning his craft.

There’s a chance where Ebukam is out of his depth, was a flash in the pan, and is best served as a rotational player. However, I’m not sure there will be any in-between, making Ebukam one of the more fascinating names to talk about this offseason.

Those are four names, but there are plenty more. So, who will be the most valuable addition that’s not a QB for the 49ers this season? We’ll go through a few questions like this, then put them all together when we’re done.