Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Day-two offensive guards to target in the 2018 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 10: Quarterback Sean White #13 of the Auburn Tigers carries the ball behind offensive lineman Braden Smith #71 of the Auburn Tigers during their game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Jordan Hare Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 10: Quarterback Sean White #13 of the Auburn Tigers carries the ball behind offensive lineman Braden Smith #71 of the Auburn Tigers during their game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Jordan Hare Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 01: Iowa offensive lineman James Daniels speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 01: Iowa offensive lineman James Daniels speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

James Daniels, Iowa

6-foot-3, 295 pounds

Iowa’s James Daniels is listed as a center on his NFLDraftScout profile, as well as being a fringe first rounder.

It wouldn’t be a shock, though, to see Daniels slip into Round 2 of the NFL Draft, particularly to a spot where the 49ers would feel comfortable grabbing him.

For starters, it’s unclear how the Niners want to go about addressing backup needs to Weston Richburg. The veteran, Zane Beadles, might not make the 53-man roster this season. Second-year pro Erik Magnuson is another option, but let’s get back to guard play instead.

The 49ers have tapped Iowa talent lately (quarterback C.J. Beathard and tight end George Kittle), so finding some continuity isn’t exactly a bad idea.

Plus, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein pointed out how Daniels has “elite movement talent” for an interior O-lineman. That’s key, especially for the number of bootlegs and pulls Kyle Shanahan incorporates into his blocking schemes.

The drawback is pretty obvious, though. Daniels is small. In order to thrive at the NFL level, especially against some of the more prolific interior defenders within the NFC West, Daniels will have to add some serious muscle to his frame.

If he can, while maintaining his speed and footwork, this would be a wise pickup on day two.