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49ers: 5 Day Two prospects to watch for at Combine

By Logan Stanley

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Sony Michel #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs to the end zone for a touchdown tying the game 31-31 in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Sony Michel #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs to the end zone for a touchdown tying the game 31-31 in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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No. 3: Center James Daniels

Age: 20 / Height: 6-foot-4 / Weight: 295 pounds

While the 49ers did recently ink center Daniel Kilgore to a three-year contract extension, the position is still not fully secured. Kilgore is entering his 30s and the way the contract is structured, it could be as short as a one-year deal.

The center position is fundamental to the offensive line’s success; uncertainty there is unwise for San Francisco’s long-term growth. Drafting a young center to learn under Kilgore would seemingly be the best route to take—the chance to build a player while on a team-friendly contract.

Iowa’s James Daniels (No. 76 jersey in the clip above) is a potential fit for the 49ers. During his time at Iowa, Daniels played in a zone blocking scheme at Iowa.

That familiarity would give Daniels a step ahead in the learning process, one of the staunchest difficulties of transitioning from college to the NFL. Daniels has experience in a system akin to Shanahan’s.

Additionally, with former Hawkeyes C.J. Beathard and George Kittle on the roster, there is a connection already in place.

Daniels is highly regarded both as a run and pass blocker by various scouts. Daniels is Bleacher Report Matt Miller‘s No. 2 ranked center, and there is a possibility he could go in the first round.

Here’s part of NFL Network Lance Zierlein‘s report on Daniels:

"Daniels is a fluid mover with tremendous initial quickness to win positioning on most every zone block he’s asked to make — both on the first and second levels […] He needs to get stronger, but he’s a plus run blocker and pass protector with a chance to become a Pro Bowl starter."

Considering the fact that Daniels could also play guard, the duality would be valuable for the unit.