Niner Noise
FanSided

2018 NFL Draft: Breaking down the top need for each team

By Peter Panacy

NEW YORK - APRIL 26: A ball and helmets are seen in front of the podium prior to the start of the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - APRIL 26: A ball and helmets are seen in front of the podium prior to the start of the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 02: Center Daniel Kilgore #67 of the San Francisco 49ers prepares to snap the ball during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 02: Center Daniel Kilgore #67 of the San Francisco 49ers prepares to snap the ball during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

San Francisco 49ers. . team. 42. . Offensive Line.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Like the Browns, the 49ers are in the initial stages of a long-term rebuild. But 2017 has shown the willingness to turn things over to the rookies, as the Niners are running away with the competition in first-year-player snaps, per Pro Football Focus.

The hope is, of course, some of these rookies turn into special talents. Perhaps, but there’s still a long way to go.

General manager John Lynch can cross quarterback off the long list of needs, following the trade for former Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo. But Garoppolo’s life won’t be any easier if his offensive line remains terrible.

The Niners currently rank second in the NFL in sacks allowed (32), and the interior O-line spots have been particularly problematic. Left guard Laken Tomlinson has been a major liability, and who knows how effective second-year guard Joshua Garnett will be after returning from his season-ending knee injury from training camp.

And remember, left tackle Joe Staley will turn 34 years old next season. He’s nearing the end of what has been a stellar career.

A player like Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson would be a welcomed upgrade for the Niners, who are likely to hold a top-three pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.