Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Grading the 2017 NFL Draft class after one full year

By Peter Panacy

Solomon Thomas of Stanford with Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell after being picked #3 overall by the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Solomon Thomas of Stanford with Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell after being picked #3 overall by the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 11: Running back Joe Williams #32 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball during the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 11: Running back Joe Williams #32 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball during the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

. Running Back. Utah. JOE WILLIAMS. F

The 49ers had some internal conflict about former Utah running back Joe Williams. John Lynch initially wasn’t a fan, concerned about Williams’ dedication to football, although head coach Kyle Shanahan and running backs coach Bobby Turner convinced Lynch otherwise.

We never got to see what Williams could have offered his rookie season. An ankle injury landed Williams on injured reserve at the conclusion of the preseason.

Prior to that, though, Williams dealt with inconsistency issues and fumbles during training camp and the preseason.

Those don’t help his stock. And while Lynch struck gold with rookie tailback Matt Breida, this particular selection isn’t looking too good right now.

If Williams comes back stronger and more consistent in 2018, all will be forgiven. So far, though, this pick is looking like the first major mistake in Lynch and Shanahan’s tenure.