Niner Noise
FanSided

2018 NFL Draft: Round 1 prospect big board for the 49ers

By Peter Panacy

Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/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) /

Offensive Line

As critical as it is to provide weapons for Jimmy Garoppolo, it’s equally as important for the 49ers to protect him.

San Francisco’s offensive line ranks 23rd in pass protection this season, according to Football Outsiders. The biggest issue has been the interior, with left guard Laken Tomlinson a liability, and both center Daniel Kilgore and right guard Brandon Fusco poised to hit free agency this offseason.

And while the 49ers are looking to their 2016 first-round NFL Draft pick, Joshua Garnett, to return healthy from a knee injury, it’s pretty clear the O-line should be a top priority.

Oh, and at 33 years old, left tackle Joe Staley isn’t getting any younger.

Round 1 Offensive Line Big Board

  1. OG Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame
  2. OT Orlando Brown, Oklahoma
  3. OT Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame
  4. C Billy Price, Ohio State
  5. OT Chukwuma Okorafor, Western Michigan

In all reality, the 49ers could use two, possibly three, offensive linemen in the NFL Draft. Perhaps not all in Rounds 1 or 2, but certainly within the first half of the draft.

Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson could easily be the first pick, and Niner Noise sang his praises to San Francisco earlier.

Related Story: 49ers need to get Notre Dame's Quenton Nelson in the NFL Draft

Nelson is a physical force, excellent in run support and very solid in pass protection. He’d immediately be a plug-and-play left guard from day one.

There’s a bit of a drop off at guard from Nelson, meaning any mid-to-late Round 1 picks either have to focus on an offensive tackle or center. Fellow Notre Dame teammate Mike McGlinchey’s stock has dropped a bit in recent weeks, but he’s still worth first-round consideration.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s Orlando Brown’s stock has risen out of Round 2.

And if a center is a must have on the fringes of the first round, Ohio State’s Billy Price is easily worth consideration.

Remember, centers are critical for head coach Kyle Shanahan’s zone-style blocking scheme.