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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El PASO, TX -SEPTEMBER 6 : UTEP Miners take the field on September 6, 2014 to play the Texas Tech Red Raiders at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. The Texas Tech Red Raiders defeated the UTEP Miners 30-26. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
El PASO, TX -SEPTEMBER 6 : UTEP Miners take the field on September 6, 2014 to play the Texas Tech Red Raiders at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. The Texas Tech Red Raiders defeated the UTEP Miners 30-26. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Will Hernandez (UTEP)

One of the best offensive guards heading into the draft is Will Hernandez of the University of Texas at El Paso.

Throughout 2017, the buzz around Hernandez has continuously increased and many scouts consider him to be the top guard prospect. Especially during the Senior Bowl, Hernandez effectively showcased his talents against other players from bigger schools.

Hernandez possesses incredible strength and uses his hands well at the point of attack, according to his scouting report on NFL.com. The UTEP product also has excellent agility and athleticism for a 348-pound man.

Hernandez’s height could be an issue, however, as he is only listed at 6-foot-2. His short arms and small hands are also considered his weaknesses, but his great balance and footwork make up for them.

Despite his lack of height and length, Hernandez still offers versatility as a pass and run blocker. Hernandez is also a reliable player, having started 49 straight games for UTEP, according to a draft profile from SB Nation’s Big Blue View.

Being one of the most praised offensive guard prospects in 2018, Hernandez is expected to be drafted within the first and second rounds. San Francisco should not hesitate to pick up this high-caliber talent, especially with its dire need for offensive linemen.