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San Francisco 49ers: Projecting Each Rookie’s Role in 2016

By Peter Panacy

Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Joshua Garnett (65) runs drills during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Joshua Garnett (65) runs drills during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal offensive lineman Joshua Garnett (51) celebrates after the Cardinal defeated the Southern California Trojans 41-22 in the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal offensive lineman Joshua Garnett (51) celebrates after the Cardinal defeated the Southern California Trojans 41-22 in the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Guard Joshua Garnett

Former Stanford guard Joshua Garnett, the Niners’ second first-round draft choice, wasn’t able to participate during the first phase of the team’s offseason programs because of his collegiate commitments.

Garnett has since joined the team and, per head coach Chip Kelly (h/t Joe Fann of 49ers.com), was able to “fit in really well.”

There may be some worries whether or not Garnett would be able to adjust adequately enough from a power-run scheme to Kelly’s inside-zone approach along the offensive line. But there isn’t much of a doubt Garnett is as solid as it gets in supporting the run.

Run support was a primary weakness the Niners had in 2016 and, while Garnett’s pass protection may need some grooming, there is a good chance the rookie improve this shortcoming of San Francisco’s O-line this year.

Projection

The 49ers want Garnett to be a plug-and-play starter as soon as possible. Such is the desire for any first-round pick.

At this point, a starting job is Garnett’s to lose. He’ll have some competition — guards Andrew Tiller, Brandon Thomas and Ian Silberman are just some who are vying for spots — but it’s unlikely Garnett will wind up on the bench to start the regular season.

Even if he does, don’t expect him to stay there for long.

Next: DeForest Buckner