2016 NFL Draft: Complete Mock for 49ers in Each Round

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Nov 14, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers offensive tackle Jerald Hawkins (65) carries the flag of France onto the field before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 3, Pick 68: Jerald Hawkins, OT, LSU

Of course, no matter how many skill position players the 49ers add, the offense won’t get off the ground if the offensive line plays as poorly as it has over the last two years. The potential return of Anthony Davis could help and free agency could see more faces come in, but it’s a position that needs to be addressed in the draft.

The interior of the line is more of a pressing concern than the outside, but guard Cody Whitehair and center Ryan Kelly were both gone in my mock by the time the 49ers hit the clock, and center Nick Martin seemed like just a little bit of a reach.

Instead, then, I’ll take four-sport athlete Jerald Hawkins—a high school football, baseball, basketball and track star, who has experience in a pro-style offense playing both right and left tackle at LSU. His multi-sport talent is apparent in his light footwork and initial quickness, and he’s very good at releasing and getting to the second level. He still needs some more polish and power, but he could compete for the starting right tackle spot away and possibly be moved to left tackle in the future.

One way or another, if the 49ers go with two skill-position players in the first two rounds, they’ll need to start bulking up the trenches starting in round three.

Other players considered:

Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois
Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame
Nick Martin, C, Notre Dame

Next: Round 4: A Gift from an Old Head Coach