Why RB Joe Mixon’s Past Should Not Scare the San Francisco 49ers from Drafting Him

Although running back Joe Mixon has had off-the-field issues, his talent and production are remarkable. Regardless, the San Francisco 49ers need playmakers on offense and Mixon would be a much-needed addition.

Joe Mixon, the redshirt sophomore from Oklahoma, has had outstanding back-to-back seasons. This would give head coach Kyle Shanahan a two-headed monster at running back with Carlos Hyde and Mixon.

This past season, Mixon was second in the FBS for all-purpose yards per game, with 194.3 yards per game, trailing only RB Christian McCaffrey.

Not only is the Oklahoma RB a runner out of the backfield, he is also a pass-catching threat, lining up all over the field.

San Francisco 49ers

He’s a three-down back, who was also used in short down and red-zone situations. At Oklahoma, he also returned kickoffs and some punts. If drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, he would immediately take over the kickoff and punt-returning duties.

He’s a special talent on the field, but due to the domestic violence incident, back in 2014, his draft stock has slipped..

According to Tom Pelissero of USA Today, Mixon claimed that NFL teams told him he had a first-round grade. But, later his agent, Peter Schaffer, went back and stated that it was mostly feedback they had heard. It wasn’t the official draft grade that teams give players.

Pelissero goes on to add that NFL teams have taken Mixon off their boards completely and he may not get drafted at all.

For as talented as Mixon is, the San Francisco 49ers should look to add him in the draft. John Lynch and Co. shouldn’t hesitate and pull the trigger on Mixon.