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FanSided

2016 49ers Mock NFL Draft With Compensatory Pick Selections

By Rich Madrid

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Round 2, Pick 37: Joshua Garnett, OG, STANFORD

Oct 25, 2014; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard Joshua Garnett (51) at the line during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Stanford Stadium. Stanford won 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2014; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard Joshua Garnett (51) at the line during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Stanford Stadium. Stanford won 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /

The 49ers have many needs, not least among them is offensive line depth. The 49ers ranked 32nd in run-blocking efficiency and 31st in pass-blocking ability, according to Football Outsiders, and are in need some of some serious help protecting the quarterback this season. Josh Garnett, an interior offensive lineman from Stanford is the perfect addition in round two.

Garnett was the 2015 Outland Trophy Award winner given to the nation’s best interior lineman, unanimous USA Today All-American and Pac-12 Lineman of the Year recipient and First-Team All-Pac-12. He has very powerful upper body and dense, muscular lower body. The game tape shows that he is very powerful at the point of attack, especially as a base blocker. One NFL draft scout said, “He’s a physical dude but needs to clean up his body some. The team nutritionist will be important to him. Love the power, but a little worried that he can’t unlock his hips.”

Still, he’s a force in the passing game, can reach to protect his quarterback with his length and great vision. In the run game, he’s very physical and wins his blocks early, a vital part of succeeding in Chip Kelly’s offense as a blocker and getting to the second level defenders, as outlined here.

Next: Round 3