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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LINCOLN, NE – OCTOBER 14: Offensive lineman Billy Price #54 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks over the line against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – OCTOBER 14: Offensive lineman Billy Price #54 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks over the line against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Billy Price (Ohio State)

Many scouts and teams consider Ohio State’s Billy Price to be the best center heading into the draft.

The 6-foot-4 and 312-pound offensive lineman was the centerpiece of Ohio State’s offense. With his brute strength and explosiveness, not too many defensive players were able to pass by him.

Price has good flexibility and leverage that prevent defenders from easily bringing him down. Even against bigger bodies, Price can successfully open up holes for running backs and protect the quarterback.

Although he is considered to be highly intelligent, Price tends to be impatient according to his NFL.com draft profile. Price can often lunge too early to find shade defenders, which could become problematic in the next level.

Footwork seems to be an issue for Price as well, causing him to lose his balance at times. However, if he continues to hone his craft, Price has the potential to become a formidable starting center in the NFL for years.

Several mock drafts project Price to be off the board within the first and second rounds. With San Francisco’s critical need for a center, Price would be the optimal choice come the 2018 NFL Draft.