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2017 NFL Draft: The Top 32 Prospects and How the 49ers Are Linked to Each

By Peter Panacy

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Temple Owls offensive lineman Dion Dawkins speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Temple Owls offensive lineman Dion Dawkins speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 30: Offensive Guard Dion Dawkins, Temple

If not Forrest Lamp, perhaps Temple offensive guard Dion Dawkins at No. 34 overall.

The 6-foot-4, 309-pound prospect has left tackle experience, which could bode well down the road when incumbent Joe Staley elects to call it a career. But he still projects as a better guard and, as discussed on the previous slide, this position is far from perfect.

Dawkins is also one of the safer bets in what otherwise is a weak offensive line class in 2017.

And there’s a real possibility he’s on the board in Round 2.

Likely knowing this, the 49ers brought in Dawkins for a pre-draft visit, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.

The Niners drafted Joshua Garnett in Round 1 last season, although his rookie year was a bit of a disappointment. And left guard Zane Beadles isn’t a long-term answer either.

Dawkins would, at least, add competition to this group and maybe push Beadles out of the picture. Or, if things go that way, Garnett winds up being a bust and Dawkins is the next man up.

If he’s drafted, of course.