Niner Noise
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49ers NFL Draft needs: 2018 offensive line big board

By Florito Maniego

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) /
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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass as Zane Beadles #68 blocks Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans in the third quarter at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass as Zane Beadles #68 blocks Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans in the third quarter at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

The San Francisco 49ers have now shifted gears to building around recently signed quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. As the 2018 NFL Draft draws closer, Niner Noise discusses five offensive linemen the Niners should consider drafting to protect their franchise QB.

The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a five-year deal with Jimmy Garoppolo last Thursday, Feb. 8. Garoppolo’s record-setting contract extension is worth $137.5 million, with about $90 million guaranteed for three years.

Now that San Francisco has finally addressed the quarterback position, the team will look to add the right pieces around Garoppolo.

Although Garoppolo could use better receivers around him, the biggest issue for the 49ers offense is along the trenches. More specifically, San Francisco needs to make major improvements to its interior offensive line.

While the 49ers offensive line made a huge jump from 2016 to 2017 in terms of overall production, it still had inconsistencies especially with pass protection.

According to Football Outsiders, San Francisco only ranked 18th best in pass protection in 2017. The offensive line allowed 43 total sacks, which is the 10th most in the NFL.

Pro Bowler Joe Staley and fellow offensive tackle Trent Brown will likely keep their starting roles in 2018. However, the guard and center positions have many lingering questions.

Even though guard Joshua Garnett will return from the injured reserve, he might still need to compete to start.

Center Daniel Kilgore and guards Laken Tomlinson, Brandon Fusco and Zane Beadles might stay with the team, but the 49ers should look to upgrade these positions.

Pro Football Focus notably gave Tomlinson and Kilgore with a pass-blocking grade of 51.2 and 52.1, respectively.

Player   Overall Grade   Pass Blocking Grade
T Joe Staley 87.4 84.1
G Laken Tomlinson 70.7 51.2
C Daniel Kilgore 51.0 52.1
G Brandon Fusco 76.0 78.9
T Trent Brown 79.3 84.7

Along with their inconsistent play, Tomlinson and Kilgore have also been plagued with penalties. Therefore, San Francisco should seek better options to protect Garoppolo.

General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan could look for offensive linemen in free agency. This year’s market is set to feature prominent names such as Andrew Norwell and Justin Pugh.

In case the 49ers plan on drafting an offensive lineman instead, here are five prospects San Francisco will likely target.