Super Bowl 54: Drafting the best starting roster from 49ers and Chiefs
By Samuel Teets
Running Back: Raheem Mostert (SF)
For two fantastic teams, neither the Chiefs nor the 49ers boast a Pro Bowl level running back. Kansas City’s leading rusher, Damien Williams, finished the regular season with 498 yards on the ground. LeSean McCoy followed him with 465 rushing yards. Kansas City averaged 98.1 rushing yards per game during the regular season, the 23rd most in the NFL.
In comparison, four 49ers ran for at least 540 yards. Tevin Coleman ran for 544 yards. Matt Breida added 623 and Raheem Mostert led the team with 772 rushing yards. In total, the 49ers averaged 144.1 rushing yards per game, which only trailed the Baltimore Ravens.
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Besides leading all available running backs in rushing yards this season, Mostert left his mark in the playoffs. In the NFC Championship, he carried the ball 29 times for 220 yards and four touchdowns. If he can reach even close to that level during the Super Bowl, it’s game over for the Chiefs.
Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk (SF)
It’s easy to forget about the fullback spot, but both Kansas City and San Francisco employ well-known players at the fading position. Kansas City’s Anthony Sherman made the Pro Bowl in 2018, and the team uses him in various packages. However, Sherman primarily serves as a blocker.
Contrastingly, the 49ers use Juszczyk for a larger variety of offensive purposes. The four-time Pro Bowler does more than block. He gets a fair number of receptions in well-designed plays. In 2019, Juszczyk caught 20 passes for 239 yards and a touchdown. He recorded at least 230 receiving yards in each of the last five seasons.
Wide Receiver 1: Tyreek Hill (KC)
Only one Pro Bowl receiver will suit up in Super Bowl LIV, and that makes this decision simple. Hill made his third straight Pro Bowl as a receiver this season, despite missing some time with an injury. The Associated Press selected Hill as a First-Team All-Pro last season.
Hill might not be the fastest player in the NFL, technically that title belongs to John Ross, but Hill uses his speed better than anyone in the league. Every game, he leaves cornerbacks and safeties shook as he outruns everyone to the end zone. His speed is the perfect match for Mahomes’ arm, and the duo is known for quick, lethal strikes.