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Isaac Guerendo

Isaac Guerendo Player Profile

Summary

Isaac Guerendo is a young, physically gifted running back for the San Francisco 49ers who was selected in the 4th round (129th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft after collegiate stints at both Wisconsin Badgers and Louisville Cardinals. He brings an intriguing blend of size (6′0″, 221 lbs) and elite straight-line speed (4.33 s 40-yard dash at the combine) that presents significant upside. While he showed flashes of impact as a rookie—especially when called upon due to injuries ahead of him on the depth chart—his role remains as a developmental piece behind established backs. His future hinges on refining his all-around game, seizing opportunities when they arise, and maintaining health.

Strengths

  • Elite Straight-Line Speed & Burst: Guerendo’s 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine showcased his ability to get vertical quickly. San Francisco 49ers

  • Big-Play Ability: At Louisville, he had games with long rushing gains (e.g., a 146‐yard, 3-TD game) and demonstrated home-run potential. University of Louisville Athletic

  • Size + Physical Profile for a Speed Back: At ~221 lbs with speed, he has a desirable build to both carry momentum downhill and threaten outside runs. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Versatility & Receiving Background: He originally played wide receiver in high school, and his college stats include receptions—giving him potential as a dual threat. University of Louisville Athletic

  • Explosive Cutback Vision and Creativity: Scouting reports mention his ability to find seams, make defenders miss, and change trajectory when needed. PFSN

Weaknesses

  • Consistency & Three-Down Reliability: While he flashes big plays, some evaluations point to his need for more polish in decision-making, patience in the run game, and reading blocks. PFSN

  • Pass Protection & Complete Back Skills: As with many young backs, his pass‐blocking and blitz pickup remain areas of question before he can be fully trusted in every down. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Injuries / Durability Concerns: His early college career was hampered by injuries (hamstring, Lisfranc) which raise caution regarding his availability long-term. SI

  • Depth Chart & Role Uncertainty: Despite his flashes, he sits behind star backs in the 49ers’ offense and may need to carve out his niche carefully rather than assume an immediate lead role. Niner Noise

Fit & Outlook

Isaac Guerendo has the physical tools and flashes of performance that make him an intriguing talent at the RB position. His speed, size and versatility give him a high upside: if he can refine the “other” parts of being a complete NFL back (pass protection, patience, consistent reads), he could develop into a valuable contributor—especially in an offense like the 49ers’ that values capable backs.

In the near‐term, his ticket is to continue improving in his role, staying healthy, and making the most of any opportunities when the lead backs are unavailable. The long‐term question will be whether he can elevate from “explosive backup with upside” to “every-down starter with production.” The ceiling is attractive; the path requires refinement and consistency.

If you like, I can pull game-film highlights of Guerendo from both his college breakout season and rookie NFL usage, to illustrate where he excels and where he still needs improvement.