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2017 NFL Draft: Complete 7-Round Mock for the San Francisco 49ers

By Peter Panacy

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Isaiah Ford (1) works out prior to the game against Clemson Tigers during the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Isaiah Ford (1) works out prior to the game against Clemson Tigers during the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver. Virginia Tech. Isaiah Ford. 126. player. 42.

Not all of general manager John Lynch’s selections can be used on just defense, right?

San Francisco made some additions at wide receiver via free agency, namely Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin. These two will help. But Garcon is aging, and it’s hard to truly gauge how much a threat Goodwin will be in a rebuilding 49ers offense.

Enter Virginia Tech’s Isaiah Ford.

I was particularly impressed with Ford’s upside, even considering him a third-round target for San Francisco earlier this offseason.

Related Story: 49ers Should Consider WR Isaiah Ford in Round 3

Ford’s draft stock might have slipped a bit into Round 4, but that only means better value for the 49ers.

One of the major attributes Ford offers is speed — something which head coach Kyle Shanahan covets. Ford ran a 4.61 40-yard time at the NFL Scouting Combine, which likely hurt his draft stock. Yet his game film surely illustrates the ability to create separation and get open.

At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, Ford has the potential to be a red-zone threat as well — another area of need for Shanahan’s offense.

And while the Niners will look to their veteran receivers to get the job done this season, Ford will be a nice prospect to develop for subsequent seasons.