San Francisco 49ers Seven Round Mock Draft

ROUND 4 (132nd OVERALL) – WR JOSH HARPER (FRESNO STATE)

Nov 1, 2014; Fresno, CA, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs wide receiver

(3) runs with the ball after making a catch against the Wyoming Cowboys in the second quarter at Bulldog Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Harper is one of two Fresno State receivers who benefited from having Derek Carr as a quarterback. Davante Adams went in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, but Harper stayed for his senior year. Instantly, Harper was the go-to guy and put together a very solid senior season. He is a sure-handed receiver who can take contact.

What makes Harper special is his quickness to get open and his play making abilities after the catch. While he lacks top end speed, he is dangerous in the open field and can rack up extra yards. In the NFL, Harper would make a great possession receiver.

In the offseason, the 49ers brought in Reggie Bush and Jerome Simpson to boost the receiving core, as Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington have under performed. The problem for the 49ers is a lack of different receivers, given that all of them seem to run similar routes or have the same speed.

For 2015, there’s a diversity in the receiving core and adding Harper would be a nice future replacement for when Anquan Boldin retires. Harper also displays excellent skill on punt returns, and could be an emergency option in the case an injury occurs.

One interesting tidbit about Harper’s father, is that he used to be a member of the 49ers. Like father, like son? We shall see, but Harper has the talent to be a good receiver in the NFL, and not having to waste a first or second round pick on a receiver.

Next: Round 5, 151st Overall