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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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Jan 28, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad running back Kareem Hunt of Toledo (33) carries against South squad inside linebacker Duke Riley of LSU (0) during the third quarter at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad running back Kareem Hunt of Toledo (33) carries against South squad inside linebacker Duke Riley of LSU (0) during the third quarter at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 5, No. 147: RB Kareem Hunt

Top 300 ranking: 120

A month ago, this pick might have been viewed as a stretch. Now, after a breakout Senior Bowl performance from Toledo running back Kareem Hunt, the star from Toledo has elevated his draft stock and might not be available this late. Hunt has rushed for 1,400-plus yards in two of the past three seasons and possesses strengths Shanahan will want from his running backs.

We have seen the success of the two-back system in Atlanta with DeVonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman.

Clearly, Shanahan values utilizing two running backs. With Carlos Hyde, the 49ers already have a lead back and Hunt can slide in as that second option. From Lance Zierlein of NFL Network:

"Compact body with broad frame and muscular legs. Above-average agility for his size. Has hips and feet to elude darting defenders in backfield. Uses effective jump-cut to avoid the sludge and shift to the open gap. Runs with good vision and overall instincts. Presses the line before making back-side cuts. Conforms his run to changing space within running lane. Spin moves are effective against first-look tacklers on second level. Suddenly shifts to bounce an inside run to the perimeter. Strings moves together on outside zone plays. Runs with knee bend and forward lean. Adequate pass catcher for screens and check-downs."

Shanahan is going to search for a pass-catching back with the hopes of replicating the insane receiving production of his Atlanta backfield, and Hunt offers the speed, hands and agility to do just that.