Niner Noise
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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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SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Offensive Guard Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame

6-foot-5, 325 pounds

Now, it’s time to break down the player I think the 49ers should target first in the 2018 NFL Draft.

I’m not alone. Just ask 4th and Nine’s Dylan DeSimone:

Nelson was the guy I tabbed as the 49ers’ top pick in the 2018 draft in my latest mock, involving a trade-down from No. 2.

Related Story: 2018 mock NFL Draft after flurry of trade-deadline deals

Guards rarely go in the top 10, but Nelson is the kind of player worth grabbing at this point. He’s both powerful and has excellent technique — aspects that would anchor a 49ers offensive line for years and help it impose its will.

What He Does Well

Nelson already plays with a low pad level, which has done so much for his run-support abilities. That’s his top strength, perhaps. Like Martinas Rankin, Nelson doesn’t let his defender disengage. Combine this with his strength, and Nelson is perfectly adept at opening holes with ease.

Considering his size, it’s also nice to see Nelson disengage with defenders in run support and reaching the second level.

Considering San Francisco has had issues with interior run support the past couple of years, this move would work out nicely.

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The Concerns

Like Joshua Garnett, Nelson’s pass protection remains a work in progress. It’s not bad, per se, but he can struggle with recognizing pass-rushing moves and lanes of attack, forcing him to guess incorrectly on which defenders are the primary threat.

He doesn’t overextend on plays, which is nice, and he’s generally quick to react. But this reaction time will be far too late at the NFL level.

Regardless, the 49ers would be perfectly justified using their first pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to land a player like Nelson.

And he’ll likely be the first guard off the boards, possibly within the top 10.

Next: 49ers' 2018 NFL Draft needs post Jimmy Garoppolo trade

Projected Round: 1