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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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Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) carries the ball against Auburn Tigers defensive back Daniel Thomas (24) in the first quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) carries the ball against Auburn Tigers defensive back Daniel Thomas (24) in the first quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Final Thoughts on Mixon

When the Kansas City Chiefs drafted WR Tyreek Hill in the fifth round, many were hesitant, according to Jonathan Jones of Sports Illustrated. But now one of the most electrifying stars in the NFL, fans in Kansas City have embraced their superstar in the making.

Similarly, when the Seattle Seahawks drafted DE Frank Clark, they received a lot of criticism for their draft choice. Since then, Clark has gone on to terrorize opposing offensive lines. Fans and fellow teammates have embraced Clark and don’t regard his pre-draft issues as much anymore.

Similar to Mixon, both players were involved in domestic violence issues before the NFL Draft, but teams drafted them anyways. Both teams received a lot of fair criticism, but with stellar play on the field, fans have began to embrace those stars.

John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan should not worry about the heat they would take from local media if they draft Mixon. Instead, they should be concerned about how to integrate him into the offense and turn him into a star.

Next: Evaluating Whether Marshon Lattimore is Worth The 49ers No. 2 Pick

The NFL is a bottom-line business. John Lynch and Co. should only worry about whether or not RB Joe Mixon will produce on Sundays. Based on his tape and numbers, the 49ers should not be scared to draft Mixon in the NFL Draft.