We're up to lucky number thirteen in our second annual CSC community mock draft. The thirteenth pick is owned by the San Francisco 49ers in this years draft so they're on the clock. Hustl504 will be representing the team and your host for the day. Find out who he's going with for the Niners by making the jump.
Thank you very much to Hustl504 for his participation.
With the thirteenth pick in the CSC community mock draft, the San Francisco 49ers select ...
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson University
The two most glaring needs for the 49ers this offseason are right tackle and cornerback. However, top prospects Russell Okung, Bruce Campbell, and Joe Haden are already off the board. San Francisco still has two viable in Brian Bulaga and Trent Williams to shore up their line. However, one of the two will almost definitely be available for San Francisco’s next pick at number seventeen. Additionally, division rival Seattle picks next, and one of their core needs this year is at running back. With the luxury of two picks in the first round this year, the 49ers are going with a screw-your-rival/best-player-available strategy with their first pick of the draft.
Looking at the 49ers on offense, we already see a solid core of young, talented players.
Quarterback – Alex Smith. Check.
Wide Receiver – Michael Crabtree. Check.
Tight End – Vernon Davis. Check.
Running Back – Frank Gore. Check.
This begs the question, "Why draft another offensive skill position?"
As we’ve seen in the past few years, the concept of a running back by committee has become the norm throughout the NFL. The 49ers possess an outstanding workhorse, when healthy, in Frank Gore. However, his injury concerns leave San Francisco grasping for a reliable backup should he go out of commission again. Backup Glenn Coffee, the Niners’ third round pick last year, averaged a paltry 2.7 yards per carry in limited action last season. The talent behind Coffee in San Francisco’s backfield is practically nonexistent. One thing we’ve learned as Saints fans is that you can never have too much depth at running back. Enter C.J. Spiller.
via www.takoma.com
After an electric true freshman year sharing time with James Davis where Spiller rushed for 938 yards on 129 carries, his production gradually declined over his sophomore and junior years, rushing for 768 and 629 yards, respectively. Electing to return for his senior year for the opportunity to be Clemson’s feature back, Spiller proved he could successfully handle the workload. In 2009, Spiller rushed for 1212 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding another 503 yards and 4 touchdowns receiving. He also proved himself to be an electrifying returner, scoring an additional five special teams touchdowns and averaging 26.3 yards on punt returns and 32.8 yards on kick returns.
Spiller’s explosive playmaking ability was gauged in two events at the Combine, where he posted a blazing 40-yard dash time of 4.37 seconds and a respectable 18 bench press repetitions.
via jacksonville.com
Some see Spiller as a potential Reggie Bush prototype who may suffer from too much dancing and not enough strength to succeed in the NFL. However, this risk pales in comparison to Spiller’s potential in his explosiveness and play-making abilities in three phases of the offensive game. Mike Singletary’s interest in re-establishing San Francisco’s run game goes no further than C.J. Spiller at thirteen overall.