Examining the fit: Wayne Gallman and Arden Key

By Scooter_McG

The 49ers on Wednesday announced the signings of RB Wayne Gallman and DE Arden Key to one year deals, adding depth to the roster ahead of next weekend’s draft.

Wayne Gallman

Gallman was a fourth round pick of the Giants in 2017, after being Clemson’s workhorse RB during two consecutive college football playoff title runs (with one championship) playing alongside Deshaun Watson. During his time at Clemson he made a name for himself for his powerful, no nonsense running style, with some ability as a pass catcher. However, he is more a high effort, tough minded player than dynamic athlete.

Gallman was a steady and reliable player for the Giants playing mostly in a reserve role. He had his best season in the NFL last year replacing Saquon Barkley after Barkley tore his ACL early in the year. Gallman rushed for 682 yards at 4.6 yards per carry, with 6 TDs, while also adding 21 receptions for 114 yards. Gallman also contributed well as a rookie, providing 476 yards rushing at 4.3 yards per carry plus 34 receptions for 193 yards and a TD, but found his opportunities limited in 2018 and 2019 as Barkley dominated the snap share.  

Gallman was noted coming out of college for his leadership, locker room presence and work ethic, all of which no doubt appeal to the culture Lynch and Shanahan have created with the 49ers. Gallman will likely compete for the role vacated by Tevin Coleman, though likely that role will go to Jeff Wilson and Gallman will be in a fight for a roster spot against the likes of Hasty, Walter and likely a rookie as the third or fourth RB. One plus that Gallman brings is as a red zone runner which may help him secure a role on the team.

Arden Key

Key was a third round pick of the Raiders in 2018, following a high profile career at LSU both on and off the field. Key’s talent as a long, bendy and explosive pass rusher off the edge was obvious in college, and he put on a show as a sophomore in 2016 with 12 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss. After his sophomore year, Key was widely considered a potential future top 10 draft pick. However, he was unable to replicate the feat in 2017 and had a lacklustre junior year, where his off-field character issues were the bigger talking point than his on field play. His dedication to football was questioned, while rumours persisted of recreational drug use which led to questions about his decision-making and lifestyle.

So far in the NFL, Key has managed to stay out of the spotlight for any of the wrong reasons. However, he has also stayed out of the spotlight for any good reasons as well, having recorded just 3 sacks over three seasons and not starting a game since his rookie year. Despite the lack of production, Key is still only 24 (25 soon), appears to have improved his commitment to football, and provides some potential upside. Perhaps Kris Kocurek is just the coach to unlock his potential.

I see Key potentially playing a role similar to Dion Jordan. A guy the team may look to keep on the practice squad and feels comfortable bringing up as a rotational guy if there is an injury. And if he takes to Kocurek’s coaching and shows some of his LSU potential, all the better.

Other Odds and Ends

The signing of Key may be a sign that Ronald Blair’s medical check on his knee did not go well. If that’s the case it is a real shame for a player that was just starting to come into his own as very solid rotational player. Fingers crossed he bounces back, and a reunion with the 49ers can still happen.

The 49ers have also recently brought FA safety Tony Jefferson in for a visit. Jefferson hasn’t played since he tore his ACL in week 5 of the 2019 season, but is a well respected leader and when healthy was a well regarded and tough player despite being a limited athlete.

I find the interest in Jefferson a bit surprising. The team already re-signed Tartt and Harris, and also signed Tavon Wilson. It makes me wonder if there may be position changes afoot – maybe Moore will get another shot at CB, where the team is currently very thin, or Harris may move to LB – or perhaps the team is thinking of switching gears a little and playing a system that employs more DBs on the field.