San Francisco 49ers Seven Round Mock Draft
ROUND 3 (79th OVERALL) – RB DAVID JOHNSON (NORTHERN IOWA)
Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad running back
David Johnsonof Northern Iowa (7) carries the ball against the North squad in the first quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
David Johnson is truly an underrated running back in this draft. So underrated, that we likely would not have heard of him if it weren’t for the NFL Combine. His skill set doesn’t necessarily fit an every down running back, but he is certainly a weapon in the run and receiving game. Johnson has some of the best hands, if not the best hands, of the running backs available in the 2015 NFL Draft.
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While he does not have the shiftiness of newest 49ers’ member Reggie Bush, or Philadelphia Eagles running back, Darren Sproles, having great hands in the back field is a plus. The versatility between those three players mentioned is essentially similar. With a frame that is 6’1″ 224 lbs, Johnson should be able to develop into a better contact back over time.
In San Francisco, Frank Gore is no longer around, and Kendall Hunter is coming off ACL surgery. That leaves Carlos Hyde manning the backfield in 2015 and beyond. To give Hyde a versatile backup option in Johnson, it prevents him from getting overused and keeping him fresh for the stretch run.
Johnson does not resemble a power back for his size, but he does move the play forward and fights for extra yards. With some coaching and experience, he should develop into a very serviceable back who can do some serious power running, and could wind up splitting carries with Hyde in time.
At Northern Iowa, the publicity is slim, as the basketball team is the only sport that generates any buzz. Don’t sleep on the small school though. Given how Johnson has been rising up the boards, the 49ers should make the call with their third round pick.
Next: Round 4, 126th Overall