San Francisco 49ers: Would drafting Maxx Williams be too high?

By Brian Spaen | Feb 28, 2015

Tight end is among the many positions the San Francisco 49ers need to shore up heading into next season. First, they’ll need to figure out what is going to happen with Vernon Davis. Then, there’s Maxx Williams in the draft that’s already been compared to Davis. Would drafting him 15th be too high?

Back on February 18th, general manager Trent Baalke made it clear that the 49ers’ prized tight end would be back. He’s not letting one bad year phase him (via ESPN).

"“It was an off year,” Baalke said. “He realizes, the great thing about Vernon is he understands, he’s been in this business long enough and he’s worked hard enough, he understands where his level of play is and still believes he can have some great years ahead of him, as do we. We look forward to having him a part of this.”"

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Of course, Baalke said that his numbers weren’t even “daunting” last season, which recording the worst receving yards (245) and touchdown (2) numbers in a nine-year career are alarming in most people’s minds.

Something else that’s alarming is Davis putting his home on the market this week. That doesn’t mean he’s gone for sure, but he’s certainly planning for a future outside of San Francisco. Even if he does make it through the final year of his contract, it’s probably going to be his last.

The 49ers may simply part ways to free up some money and have Davis join his 2006 NFL Draft buddies, Reggie Bush and A.J. Hawk, that were released from their teams this week. Davis will make close to $7 million this year, but the 49ers would free up close to $5 million if they get rid of him.

That’s where Minnesota tight end Williams comes in. He shines in a class that’s very lackluster. If the 49ers want to move on now, he would be the best candidate to replace him. Williams has even drawn a comparison to Davis as both of them have leaped over two tacklers in a game — Maxx did it on one play.

Despite Williams being a great prospect, drafting him in the middle of the first round could be too much. He’s regarded as a late first round, early second round pick and the latest mock drafts like the one from FOX Sports has him getting pulled off the board by the Denver Broncos at 28th.

The only mentions of Williams being drafted this high was back on January 3rd when The Daily Gopher reported Rotoworld saying the prospect could rise up to the 49ers’ position in the first round Former Golden Gopher head coach Glen Mason hailed Williams as the best tight end in the country.

Williams was a beast in his two seasons at Minnesota. He recorded nearly 1,000 yards on 61 catches and 13 touchdowns. He ranked 18th in the Big Ten with 569 receiving yards and fifth with eight receiving touchdowns.

The tight end wouldn’t be a bad pick for the 49ers, especially if they are going to move on from Davis early. However, there’s enough positions that need to be filled and better prospects to take this high in the draft.

Next: How well would Jalen Collins fit in with 49ers?

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