Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: 2018 NFL Draft options to help fix the offensive line

By Peter Panacy

Commissioner Roger Goodell names a pick by the San Francisco 49ers during the 2016 NFL Draft (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
Commissioner Roger Goodell names a pick by the San Francisco 49ers during the 2016 NFL Draft (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – DECEMBER 29: The UCF Knights defense lines up against Royce Blackledge #76 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the 49th Annual Autozone Liberty Bowl at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium December 29, 2007 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – DECEMBER 29: The UCF Knights defense lines up against Royce Blackledge #76 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the 49th Annual Autozone Liberty Bowl at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium December 29, 2007 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Offensive Tackle Martinas Rankin, Mississippi State

6-foot-5, 315 pounds

I wanted to put Notre Dame’s Mike McGlinchey on this list, as he is certainly the best tackle prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft.

But I’d almost rather save the 49ers’ top pick for a guard — we’ll get there in a moment — and look at some value choices in later rounds.

Mississippi State’s Martinas Rankin is one such choice.

Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller pointed out why Rankin could wind up being the bigger steal:

"Texas tackle Connor Williams looks impressive and Notre Dame’s Mike McGlinchey will carry a Round 1 grade into the season, but don’t let that fool you into overlooking Martinas Rankin. The Mississippi State tackle has the size (6’5″, 302 lbs) and athleticism of a blindside protector. The former JUCO player (Mississippi Gulf Coast) is also still developing as a top-tier tackle."

Rankin has the flexibility to play both tackle and guard, but NFL teams will probably want to see him on the outside at the pro level. Keep in mind, he’s already done this effectively enough in the SEC and against some of the better pass-rushers in college football.

What He Does Well

Rankin’s long arms allow him to latch on to pass-rushers and prevent them from getting past. He’s equally effective in both pass protection and run support, and he doesn’t allow defenders to easily disengage from his attack.

Mississippi State’s spread offense also asks him to play on an island, at times, and he does this surprisingly well.

The Concerns

Despite his size, Rankin can be bulldozed over by bigger and stronger defenders. He also struggled holding the edge, at times, which can certainly lead to problems at the NFL level against elite pass-rushers.

Some of the more complicated pass-rushing moves could be problematic for him.

Rankin also doesn’t have the quickest of feet, which isn’t the best of attributes to have in 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan’s zone system. Blocking at the next level could be a problem.

Projected Round: 2-4