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2016 NFL Draft: Five Sleeper Picks for the 49ers

By Jerod Brown

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 26, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ole Miss Rebels offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil (48) squares off in drills against North Carolina State Wolfpack offensive lineman Joe Thuney (44) during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ole Miss Rebels offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil (48) squares off in drills against North Carolina State Wolfpack offensive lineman Joe Thuney (44) during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe Thuney-Offensive Guard-North Carolina State

Yes, the 49ers signed guard Zane Beadles this offseason but they still need help on the interior of the offensive line. The starters will likely be Andrew Tiller and Beadles but the 49ers will need to secure solid depth if they plan on being prepared in the event of injuries like last year.

Trent Baalke should address other positions at the top of the draft and wait to draft an interior offensive lineman. In the sixth or seventh round, he should feel comfortable calling out a versatile offensive lineman from the East coast.

With one of their late picks, the 49ers should select Joe Thuney, a former tackle from North Carolina State.

I recently had a chance to scout Thuney and was left impressed by the potential he offers to a team with a solid coaching staff. The 49ers have offensive line coach Pat Flaherty, one of the most respected in the league, and will be able to afford Thuney the time to develop in the weight room.

When I had finished watching tape, my scouting notes for Thuney’s positives were the following:

"I would love to see him inside in a ZBS. He’s better with some initial movement rolling forward and settles well in overtaking combo blocks. Anxious for contact and looking to rail on someone. Short, stocky guy that sets hard flat and naturally wins leverage game in pass pro. Top-40 time and tons of versatility, he’s got experience at every spot on the line for NC State. Really good at striking inside and sustaining pass-pro while keeping eyes up and adjusting outside late. Loves to clean up late in the play."

Thuney offers the versatility and nastiness that the 49ers have lost at guard once Alex Boone decided to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. Taking a flier late on Thuney would give the 49ers an opportunity to develop a lineman that could fill any role on the line in a pinch.

Thuney will have to fill out his trunk and learn to drop his hips to anchor against a bullrush. In Kelly’s offense, he could utilize his athleticism while fixing some of the technical flaws that hindered him at tackle in college.

Trent Baalke should send the draft card to the podium with confidence in the sixth round. Select Joe Thuney to begin rebuilding the shaky offensive line.

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