The San Francisco 49ers kicked off Day 3 of the NFL draft by grabbing Utah running back Joe Williams with the 14th selection in Round 4. The team traded with the Indianapolis Colts, swapping picks 143 and 161 to take the Colts selection at 121st overall.

Starting running back Carlos Hyde has suffered through nagging injuries throughout his career. Leonard Fournette was a name that was consistently linked to the 49ers leading up to the draft, suggesting that the front office and coaching staff wasn’t quite as sold on Hyde as fans may be.

Williams is 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds – solid size for a starting running back. Add in his 4.41 second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine and it’s easy to see why the 49ers may view Williams as player that could develop into the long-term starter. Hyde is no slouch, but reports have suggested the team may be ready to move on. If so, Williams is the immediate favorite to replace him.

Williams is an excellent athlete, likely worth a Round 2 or 3 selection based on athletic traits alone. The slide in Williams’ stock is likely off-the-field concerns surrounding his dismissal from UCONN to start his college career. He produced well last season with Utah, logging 1,420 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

He kicked off UCONN’s team due to a theft charge in 2013. The 49ers must have done the research to determine whether Williams is a player they can rely on long-term. Williams said he spoke extensively with San Francisco scouts about his situation at the scouting combine.

As far as potential, few running backs offer what Williams can. He’s a three-down running back with the lateral agility, speed and explosiveness to hit a crease and score from anywhere. 

Hyde, entering a contract year, may be put on notice by Williams’ selection. The 49ers grabbed an eventual starter to start Day 3, signifying a growing assumption that Hyde isn’t loved by the front office.