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San Francisco 49ers: 5 NFL Draft Rookies Who Will Start Right Away in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Apr 28, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; (l to r) San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch , linebacker Reuben Foster , defensive lineman Soloman Thomas , and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for photos during the press conference at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; (l to r) San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch , linebacker Reuben Foster , defensive lineman Soloman Thomas , and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for photos during the press conference at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back De’Veon Smith (4) receives congratulations from tight end Devin Asiasi (2) and offensive lineman Erik Magnuson (78) after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Michigan Stadium. Michigan 59-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back De’Veon Smith (4) receives congratulations from tight end Devin Asiasi (2) and offensive lineman Erik Magnuson (78) after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Michigan Stadium. Michigan 59-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Offensive Tackle Erik Magnuson

The 49ers didn’t use any of their 10 draft picks to address a primary area of weakness, the offensive line.

But former Michigan right tackle Erik Magnuson, picked up as an undrafted free agent, might wind up being one of the better steals from San Francisco’s UDFA crop.

Magnuson, a three-year starter for the Wolverines, was a staple in Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh’s offensive line. The 6-foot-6, 305-pound Magnuson also has the flexibility to bump inside to guard, giving San Francisco added options along the O-line.

As NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein pointed out, Magnuson’s best fit is within a zone-style scheme — the same kind head coach Kyle Shanahan will run in 2017.

Right now, the 49ers have Trent Brown penciled in as the team’s starting right tackle. But Brown isn’t exactly a fit for zone offenses. His run blocking isn’t particularly great, and Brown struggles to extend blocks at the second level.

These are areas in which Magnuson is a notable upgrade. While Magnuson lacks the strength Brown possesses, he’s a much better scheme fit, making him a favorite to earn a starting job this season.