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Jimmy Garoppolo: 5 moves the 49ers can make to help their quarterback in 2018

By Chris Wilson

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 17: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 17: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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49ers Jimmy Garoppolo
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 03: John Jenkins #73 of the Chicago Bears attempts to sack quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Chicago Bears 15-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Shore up the interior offensive line

In Joe Staley and Trent Brown, the 49ers have two strong offensive linemen; both ranked in the top 10 in Pro Football Focus’ pass blocking grades for offensive tackles. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the Niners’ interior offensive line.

While free-agent acquisition Brandon Fusco was a positive addition at guard, both guard Laken Tomlinson and center Daniel Kilgore were problematic throughout the season. Both earned PFF pass-blocking grades in the low 50s, and their grades would have been much lower if not for Garoppolo’s quick release under pressure.

The 49ers need to keep Garoppolo upright and healthy if they want him to continue to prosper, and they can do so by adding talent to their interior line — through free agency, the draft or both.

In addition to the Carolina Panthers’ Andrew Norwell — one of the NFL’s top guards — a number of serviceable replacements will soon be available via free agency. Also, many mock drafts have the 49ers selecting Notre Dame guard Quentin Nelson with their first pick, although the Niners may want to use their valuable draft capital at a more valuable position.