San Francisco 49ers: 5 Burning Questions for 2016 Training Camp

How Will Joshua Garnett Fit in Chip Kelly’s Zone-Blocking Scheme?

The 49ers made a bold move by trading back into Round 1 of the draft in order to select Stanford guard Joshua Garnett with their second pick.

Garnett received the 2015 Outland Trophy — awarded to the best NCAA interior lineman in the country, which is no small feat.

But there was plenty of skepticism about the Niners reaching for Garnett so early. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. wasn’t a fan of the pick, as anyone who saw his reaction during the network’s coverage of the draft can recall, and there is an argument Garnett won’t be a fit in head coach Chip Kelly’s zone-blocking scheme up front.

Kelly thinks he’ll be a good fit, as noted via David Fucillo of Niners Nation:

"So, to add someone like Josh [Garnett], he’s just a big, physical player that can bend really well for a big guy. I think you look at, the one thing that was remarkable about him was when you look at some of those short-yardage, goal line packages that [Stanford head football coach] David [Shaw] runs there and you look at Josh who’s literally three inches off the ground just driving guys out of there, it’s impressive to see."

Garnett was known more for his abilities in a power-run scheme and not those of a zone offense. Fortunately, Niner Noise staff writer Rich Madrid gives you an in-depth look at the scheme fit and what Garnett will need to do to master the technique.

49ers fans will be hoping Garnett emerges as a top-tier interior lineman and not emulating the efforts of, let’s say, Chilo Rachal.

Next: Can DeForest Buckner Live Up to the Hype?