San Francisco 49ers: Too-early 7-round mock 2018 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
The 49ers currently own two picks in Round 2, and one can safely bet general manager John Lynch will use one of those to address the offensive line.
Through three weeks of the 2017 season, Football Outsiders has ranked the Niners O-line 28th in pass protection. In particular, the interior O-line positions have been problematic. Things weren’t made easier by the season-ending knee injury suffered by second-year guard Joshua Garnett.
Even if he returns healthy enough, though, Lynch will need someone to complement his abilities.
Offensive guard Quenton Nelson is a nice pickup early in Round 2.
Nelson could be a first-round pick, but I’m not going to argue with FanSpeak. Consider it a steal for San Francisco here.
If you’re not familiar with the Notre Dame talent, just check out this BreakingFootball.com excerpt from Nelson’s scouting report:
"Has the “prick” mentality that every offensive line coach dreams about. When most are content with simply getting in the way of defender, Nelson is not. Whether it is in the run game or in pass pro, Nelson puts 110% effort into putting his man on the ground. Loves to drop full weight on top of defender once he gets them on the ground. Will then “rolling pin” them to really hammer home the fact he just had his way with them. It’s honestly quite beautiful to watch him work."
The Niners need plenty of O-line help this upcoming offseason, and grabbing a player like Nelson would go a long way to ensuring this happens.