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2017 NFL Draft: The Top 32 Prospects and How the 49ers Are Linked to Each

By Peter Panacy

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) celebrates after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) celebrates after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 20: Wide Receiver Mike Williams, Clemson

Not long ago, Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams was considered the top of his class entering the 2017 NFL Draft.

Williams’ stock has fallen somewhat, especially after a relatively sluggish 40-yard time (4.52) and the blazing speed John Ross showed in comparison. But that doesn’t mean Williams is incapable of being a special player at the next level.

Injuries aside, Williams has the potential to be a game-changer on offense. And San Francisco needs plenty of these contributors in coming seasons.

KNBR 680’s Kevin Jones noted the 49ers should at least take a look at Williams at No. 2, writing:

"Three weeks away from judgment day, I’m also glued to Williams’ tape, and willing to bet he becomes one of the best players from the 2017 draft class. You see a lot of Mike Evans from Johnny Manziel’s days at Texas A&M, where the receiver bailed out the quarterback often (Evans had 96 receptions, 1,321 yards and 12 touchdowns last year). You see ball skills, a massive catch radius and a feel for defenses that generally translates to touchdowns on Sundays."

The additions of free-agent receivers Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin alleviate this need a bit, so that might convince San Francisco to hope Williams falls into Round 2.