2016 NFL Draft: 10 Players the San Francisco 49ers Should Target
By Peter Panacy
Offensive Tackle Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame
The quarterback position is the most important in all of sports, but one could easily make the argument rebuilding a team starts in the trenches.
San Francisco needs plenty of help here after the right side of its offensive line was an utter disaster in 2015, and 49ers quarterbacks were subjected to a whopping 53 sacks last season.
Notre Dame tackle Ronnie Stanley is the second-highest rated offensive lineman in the draft, according to CBS Sports — just behind tackle Laremy Tunsil. He may have to fall to San Francisco at No. 7, but bulking up the O-line should be a high priority for general manager Trent Baalke.
STRENGTHS: Stanley passes the eye test with a girthy frame, long arms and the set-up quickness to protect the edge and mirror speed rushers in space. His long arms and fluid slide allow him to protect the edge, even when matched up against speed pass rushers. Plays on the balls of his feet with his knee bent, displaying good lateral agility and balance to mirror rushers. He has heavy hands and long arms, allowing him to catch and control opponents.
Besides size, athleticism and toughness, Stanley shows other traits that will earn him kudos with scouts, including good awareness and competitiveness. Keeps his head on a swivel and looks for peel back blocks on defenders in pursuit. Will block one defender before switching off to hit another.
WEAKNESSES: Young player still developing his immense skillset. He will play too high at times and needs to better sink and improve his blocking angles. When defenders are able to attack his chest, it doesn’t take much for them to drive Stanley backward on his heels as he struggles to reset his anchor.
— Dane Brugler & Rob Rang, CBS Sports (11/19/15)
Why He Fits:
There isn’t any guarantee retired right tackle Anthony Davis returns to the roster after sitting out all of 2015. And would he even be in game-ready shape if this happens?
Tack on the possible free-agent departure of offensive guard Alex Boone to the long list of O-line concerns the 49ers have, and it’s easy to see why this unit should be atop San Francisco’s priority list this offseason.
Stanley would be an upgrade over anything the 49ers have in place at right tackle. And he would be a long-term option as well since left tackle Joe Staley isn’t getting any younger either.
Next: DE DeForest Buckner