San Francisco 49ers Seven Round Mock Draft

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ROUND 2 (46th OVERALL) – TE CLIVE WALFORD (MIAMI FL)

Jan 22, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad tight end

Clive Walford

of Miami (46) catches a pass as safety Jaquiski Tartt of Samford (6) defends during Senior Bowl South squad practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

Vernon Davis has been the guy for the 49ers for almost a decade, and that window may be closed soon. Walford could be the guy to replace Davis. The team has fielded Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek, and Derek Carrier, and all have battled injury. Davis has struggled with injuries of his own over the last couple of years as well.

Delanie Walker, who is now with the Tennessee Titans, used to be the back up and was a play maker for the offense. The 49ers sorely missed that in 2014.

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With no viable options, bringing in a tight end to eventually take over Davis is essential. At Miami, Walford was a red zone threat at tight end, and held his own in both run and pass blocking. While injury is a concern for the tight end position, Walford’s 2014 injury wasn’t serious, and shined in the Senior Bowl, the combine, and his pro day.

Davis has never truly had a defined position, even though he has been penciled in as the tight end. With speed and route running, Davis has always been a deep threat and not a possession tight end. Walford is the definition of a possession receiver, and it is needed to help a developing Colin Kaepernick.

The tight end position is slim in San Francisco, and Maxx Williams is sure to be the first tight end off the board. Walford has a work ethic that cannot be denied. It shows that he cares about the game and wants to get better. He would be a great fit for this 49ers team.

Next: Round 3, 79th Overall