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2016 Senior Bowl: 5 Prospects the San Francisco 49ers Should Watch

By Peter Panacy

Jan 9, 2016; Frisco, TX, USA; North Dakota State Bison quarterback Carson Wentz (11) reacts after the game against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in the FCS Championship college football game at Toyota Stadium. North Dakota State won the championship 37-10. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Frisco, TX, USA; North Dakota State Bison quarterback Carson Wentz (11) reacts after the game against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in the FCS Championship college football game at Toyota Stadium. North Dakota State won the championship 37-10. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders offensive lineman Le’Raven Clark (62) blocks Baylor Bears defensive end Shawn Oakman (2) during the game at AT&T Stadium. The Bears defeat the Red Raiders 63-35. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders offensive lineman Le’Raven Clark (62) blocks Baylor Bears defensive end Shawn Oakman (2) during the game at AT&T Stadium. The Bears defeat the Red Raiders 63-35. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Tackle Le’Raven Clark, Texas Tech

6’6″, 307 pounds

The 49ers are going to need plenty of help along their offensive line this offseason. The right side was more than permeable with the first-half combination of tackle Erik Pears and guard Jordan Devey not working out.

While the installation of guard Andrew Tiller redressed a lot of the issues, the 49ers will still have pressing needs especially if left guard Alex Boone departs via free agency.

And there still isn’t any guarantee retired right tackle Anthony Davis will return. Not yet at least.

So Texas Tech offensive tackle Le’Raven Clark makes some sense here. Here’s what Dane Brugler of CBS Sports said about him in advance of the Senior Bowl:

"Groomed at left tackle in the Texas Tech offense, Clark was asked to retreat off the snap and his technique faces a learning curve under pro coaching at the Senior Bowl and once he is drafted. But he has the wide base, moldable frame and lower body flexibility required to start in the NFL, showing terrific knee bend and weight transfer in his kickslide. Once his upper body mechanics catch up, Clark projects as a NFL starter at tackle or guard."

Note Brugler’s last sentence — Clark could wind up assuming a starting job either at the outside or interior guard positions. That gives the 49ers some insurance should Davis not return and/or left tackle Joe Staley suffers some sort of injury setback.

And, in the short-term scenario, Clark could be in a position to seize either guard spot his rookie year.

Next: WR Braxton Miller