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5 Players the 49ers Won’t Touch in the 2017 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) calls a play against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) calls a play against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) celebrates after a touchdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) celebrates after a touchdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Running Back Joe Mixon, Oklahoma

Collegiate Statistics

Take everything just said about cornerback Traimaine Brock’s release, John Lynch’s immediate action and apply it to San Francisco’s plans in the NFL Draft.

Cornerback Teez Tabor’s off-the-field worries might be concerning. But Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon’s temper is even more of a red flag.

Mixon physically assaulted a woman at a restaurant back in 2014, and there isn’t any way to get around why this is such an issue for NFL teams to accept.

Consider the 49ers one of those teams.

Sure, the Niners need help at running back. No. 1 tailback Carlos Hyde has been frustrating, primarily with his inability to stay on the field. And depth behind him is a pressing need too.

But just like cornerback, this year’s NFL Draft is laden with promising runners capable of stepping in as either a solid backup or even worthwhile starter in a year or two’s time.

San Francisco will take a running back. Just not Mixon.