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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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) /

No. 1: Quenton Nelson

If the 49ers decide to prioritize the offensive line in the draft, Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson will unquestionably be the right pick. With his elite level of play, Nelson is projected to be drafted in the top 10, giving San Francisco an opportunity to draft him with either the ninth or 10th pick.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 329 pounds, Nelson has the ideal size for an offensive lineman in the NFL. When looking at his tape, Nelson is technically sound with his run- and pass-blocking and highly aggressive at the point of attack.

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Nelson’s most outstanding attribute is his dominant power, according to his NFL.com draft profile. His sheer build and core strength allow him to maul defenders and create large gaps during run situations.

Nelson’s remarkable pass blocking abilities also make him one of the safest prospects in this year’s draft. Despite an injury history in college, Nelson overall has the skill set to potentially become an All-Pro guard one day.

NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah ranked Nelson as the second best prospect only behind running back Saquon Barkley heading into the 2018 draft. Other analysts have even compared Nelson to prominent NFL guards such as Logan Mankins and David DeCastro.

Next: 49ers NFL Draft needs: 2018 wide receiver big board

Taking Nelson with the ninth or 10th pick makes sense if he falls down the draft board in the hands of San Francisco. Nelson is a generational player with elite physical attributes and blocking prowess who has the potential of becoming a superstar in the pros.