NFL Draft: Positional Priority List for the 49ers in 2016

Offensive Line

Exterior Linemen

Other than iron man Joe Staley, the 49ers offensive line has been depleted with the loss of guard Mike Iupati via free agency and tackle Anthony Davis.

The Davis saga was well documented as he retired last year, came back, and retired again. Staley, 32 years old, is the 49ers highest regarded player, having been selected to five consecutive Pro Bowls.

As the trade deadline approached this year there was rumors around the league that he was on the block, but no moves were made.

The other tackles opposite of him is massive tackle Trent Brown (6-foot-8, 355 pounds), who is in his second season out of Florida and drafted in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

“There’s not many people that are that big, that size, that athletic that can do what Trent can do,” said head coach Chip Kelly, via ESPN.

There were two tackles taken in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, John Theus and Fahn Cooper. But neither one has seen any playing time. With Staley getting up there in age, the team could look at getting another tackle to shadow him until he retires.

Interior Linemen

At the guard position, the 49ers moved up in the draft last year to nab Stanford’s Joshua Garnett at 28th overall. He has recently been getting more playing time as a starter. And according to PFF,  Garnett also leads the 49ers offensive line with an 81.3 run-blocking grade. With Garnett solidifying this spot on the line, the Niners can feel more comfortable with this group moving forward.

Center Daniel Kilgore has already established himself as a solid starter for years to come, and he is fairly young with only six years under his belt. If general manager Trent Baalke is to draft any offensive lineman, it will be for the distant future not to start right away.

Players to Scout

OG Nico Siragusa (6-foot-5, 335 lbs) – Projected Rd. 4-6

OT Zach Banner (6-foot-9, 360 lbs) – Projected Rd. 4-6