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NFL free agency: 5 players the 49ers can target to help Jimmy Garoppolo

By Jeremy Wohlfart

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 05: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 05: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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No. 4: Ryan Jensen, Center, Baltimore Ravens

Sometimes, players just fall under the radar. Baltimore Ravens center Ryan Jensen is one of those players.

Jensen is a top-10 center, at least according to Pro Football Focus. Ranked ninth, Jensen would be an upgrade over incumbent Daniel Kilgore (who ranked 23rd for all centers).

But it’s more than just upgrading, Jensen would be a terrific teammate. As proof, take a look at this video:

To summarize: Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco takes a late and dirty hit after sliding from Miami Dolphins linebacker Kiko Alonso, who absolutely flattens Flacco into the turf.

Jensen is the first one to fly the flag for Flacco, going right for Alonso to let him know very closely and very physically what he thinks of the hit. It’s a strong leadership quality, and a locker room can never have too many high quality guys.

I’ve been an advocate for drafting Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson, and I’ve said before about how the interior line is of the utmost urgency as well, and this continues the theme of giving Jimmy Garoppolo superior blocking to lessen the risk of seeing him flattened into the turf.