2016 NFL Draft: Early Projections for 49ers 11 Picks

Joshua Garnett, G, Stanford

With the first of many glaring needs addressed in Buckner, Baalke decided it was necessary to trade back into the first round to select an offensive guard in Stanford’s Joshua Garnett, addressing another pressing need.

Upon his selection, there has been one word that has been consistently associated with Garnett and his play style: mauler.

Trading up for Garnett represents a clear effort by Baalke and the 49ers to return back to their roots of a punishing running style, as highlighted by Dane Brugler of CBS Sports:

"Physically, Garnett has the look of a Coke machine with limbs. His stout core and long arms make him an intimidating interior blocker whose girth can overwhelm defenders. He has enough quickness to pull and block at the second level. When Garnett does reach his intended target, however, it was often a win for the Cardinal as he has strong mitts to latch onto opponents and looks to pancake them."

Garnett will be stepping in immediately at either of the guard positions, with left guard being the most likely. He would be alongside veterans Joe Staley and Daniel Kilgore, learning from them while also contributing his own unique, ruthless attitude.

Most importantly, per his introductory press conference, it is indeed “Joshua,” not “Josh.”

Projection: Immediate Impact

Next: Will Redmond