San Francisco 49ers: 5 Rookies Who Could Start in Week 1 of 2016 Season

Offensive Guard Joshua Garnett

Drafted in Round 1, No. 28 Overall

The 49ers moved back into Round 1 and selected former Stanford guard Joshua Garnett with their second overall pick.

Garnett is a run-mauling offensive lineman, who spent the majority of his collegiate career on the left side. Considering the 49ers’ weaknesses in run support last season — the team ranked 30th in the league last year, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required) — the selection makes plenty of sense.

One might wonder if Garnett will struggle in head coach Chip Kelly’s inside-zone scheme, as Garnett primarily operated in a power-run approach in college. Niner Noise’s Rich Madrid discounted this to a good extent, but the concern doesn’t go away automatically.

With the acquisition of free-agent guard Zane Beadles this offseason, Garnett will likely be asked to shift over to the right side. He’ll be competing with fellow guards like Andrew Tiller, Brandon Thomas, Marcus Martin and Ian Silberman for a starting spot.

Why He’ll Start

Again, first-round investments typically garner plug-and-play interest. Garnett is the closest thing to this the 49ers have in an O-lineman since the team drafted Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis back in 2010.

If Garnett can master the scheme and improve his pass protection, there should be little doubt he sees starting action in Week 1.

Why He Doesn’t Start

The last sentence started with “if.” Getting a grip on the scheme will be paramount, and it’s no guarantee Garnett does this right away. Plus, any major setbacks or shortcomings in the rookie’s pass-blocking efforts could mean the 49ers selected yet another first-round Stanford project who can’t protect the quarterback.

Kwame Harris, anyone? Let’s hope not.

Next: WR Aaron Burbridge