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2017 NFL Draft Preview: San Francisco 49ers 7-Round Mock

By Logan Stanley

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan answers questions during a press conference at Westin Houston Memorial City Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan answers questions during a press conference at Westin Houston Memorial City Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) runs the ball ahead of Alabama Crimson Tide defense during the second quarter of the 2016 CFP Semifinal at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) runs the ball ahead of Alabama Crimson Tide defense during the second quarter of the 2016 CFP Semifinal at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2, No. 34: WR John Ross

Top 300 ranking: 43

Now time to patch up that 32nd-ranked receiving corps from the 2016 NFL season. Bluntly, the production at the wide receiver position for San Francisco over the past six seasons has been laughable. Since 2009, the 49ers have only had two receivers eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in a season (Michael Crabtree in 2012 and Anquan Boldin in 2013).

That’s a certified drought. University of Washington wide receiver John Ross is the alleviation to that drought.

This one I struggled with; Eastern Washington University wide receiver and Senior Bowl sensation Cooper Kupp was the other choice. The University of Washington product ultimately got the nod due to his speed, something the 49ers do not possess in their passing game — and have not for some time.

Ross, who has ran a 4.35 40-yard dash and drawn comparisons to Washington Redskins WR DeSean Jackson, had 81 receptions for 1,150 yards and 17 TDs this past season. The speedster showed he has the wheels to test and extend secondaries, averaging 14 yards a catch and posting six plays of 25-plus yards (four of those went for 50-plus yards).

With Kyle Shanahan regime underway, you know the wide receivers are going to be highlighted and considered of extra importance compared to previous regimes. Shanahan is going to want a weapon, and that’s exactly what Ross is. Not only does he present big-play ability as a WR — Ross doubles as a return man.

Simply, John Ross is nuclearly explosive. That frenzy of speed is needed in the Bay Area.