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2017 NFL Draft: Exploring the 49ers Options at No. 2 Overall in Round 1

By Peter Panacy

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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) walks off the field after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) walks off the field after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Option 3: 49ers Draft a Wide Receiver Like Clemson’s Mike Williams

Reaching for a quarterback in the 2017 NFL Draft is one thing. But reaching for a wide receiver — especially if that guy is Clemson’s Mike Williams — is a little easier to swallow.

Why? Well, Williams is surely the top wideout in the draft and doesn’t need the same kind of grooming or development a first-round quarterback in this year’s class would require.

At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Williams would immediately be a big-play threat the 49ers have lacked at the position for years. And they’ve certainly shied away from taking a wide receiver early ever since the 2012 NFL Draft class (yes, we remember you, A.J. Jenkins).

Just take a look at Williams’ collegiate numbers, courtesy of Sports Reference:

Receiving & Rushing Table
Receiving Scrimmage
Year School Conf Class Pos G Rec Yds Avg TD Plays Yds Avg TD
*2013 Clemson ACC FR WR 10 20 316 15.8 3 20 316 15.8 3
*2014 Clemson ACC SO WR 12 57 1030 18.1 6 57 1030 18.1 6
*2015 Clemson ACC JR WR 1 2 20 10.0 1 2 20 10.0 1
2016 Clemson ACC JR WR 15 98 1361 13.9 11 98 1361 13.9 11
Career Clemson 177 2727 15.4 21 177 2727 15.4 21

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 1/22/2017.

Stellar numbers, especially his 2016 campaign.

True, Williams does have some injury concerns stemming from the year prior. But he surely answered those with what happened leading up to Clemson’s national championship.

If selected — even at No. 2 — the Niners would still need someone to get Williams the ball. Personally, I have a draft crush on Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes in Round 2, but these are all first-round options.

Let’s save that discussion for later but break down another realistic option that could alleviate two needs in one round.