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

By Akash Anavarathan

Nov 12, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) runs for a touchdown past Baylor Bears defensive end Greg Roberts (52) during the second half at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) runs for a touchdown past Baylor Bears defensive end Greg Roberts (52) during the second half at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) is seen on the field before action against the Baylor Bears prior to the game at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) is seen on the field before action against the Baylor Bears prior to the game at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

What the Scouts are Saying

According to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, Mixon has the ability to be on the field every single down. Zierlein claims that Mixon can change the game in the ground and through the air. Some weaknesses however are that Mixon struggles to create with weaker offensive line play, but he can be a chess piece that moves around the field.

An NFC North Scout added that Mixon is a top-40 player, that won’t go there due to his off-the-field issues. He won’t create for himself, but can be a huge impact.

Zierlein compares him to Le’Veon Bell and throughout watching Mixon’s game film, I felt the same thing. He has a patience and calmness similar to Bell as they dance around in the backfield before making the first move.

Matt Miller of Bleacher Report ranks Joe Mixon the 52nd ranked prospect, and claims that he has the best potential out of anyone in the NFL draft.

The San Francisco 49ers cannot afford to miss out on a running back prospect like Mixon who can be had later in the draft due to his off the field issues.

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