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

By James LeBreton

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 24, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad running back Kareem Hunt of Toledo (33) carries the ball during practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad running back Kareem Hunt of Toledo (33) carries the ball during practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 5, Pick No. 161

Kareem Hunt

Kyle Shanahan is known for drafting running backs in the later rounds, and this year will be no exception.

Carlos Hyde is still currently the starter. But after consecutive seasons of less than 1,000 yards and nagging injuries, he could soon be on his way out. To add insult to injury, John Lynch has already expressed concern Hyde may not be a fit for their style of offense.

Toledo running back Kareem Hunt, on the other hand, is a fit for the 49ers in many different ways and has already met with the team at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine.

To push Hyde, the team added quality depth with the signing of running back Tim Hightower. He already has ties to Shanahan, and is familiar with the type of offense that the 49ers will be running.

In three seasons, Hyde has averaged 4.3 yards per carry. Hunt has never averaged lower than 5.5 yards per carry. How he transitions to the NFL is yet unknown, but as of now it seems as though his success is greater when touching the football.

Don’t expect Hunt to push Hyde for the starting job, but Hunt will take away significant reps from the former Ohio State Buckeye.

Next: Isaac Asiata