49ers’ 7-round dark-horse prospect mock 2019 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
Yes, in all likelihood the 49ers will wind up going with either a wide receiver or a safety in Round 2. Perhaps a cornerback or tight end.
San Francisco 49ers
But as Niner Noise broke down a short while ago, the offensive line is a sneaky need in this NFL Draft. Left tackle Joe Staley is getting up there in age, and there are injury and durability concerns along the interior as well.
Besides, there’s always the argument head coach Kyle Shanahan doesn’t need a top-tier wide receiver, and there’s already a lot of depth at safety heading into training camp.
Enter Kansas State offensive lineman Dalton Risner, who is on the fringes of Rounds 1 and 2.
If he slips to the Niners’ pick at No. 36 overall, one can’t rule out the possibility on Risner becoming the team’s first day-two selection. Risner isn’t perfect in pass protection, but neither was last year’s first-round draftee, right tackle Mike McGlinchey.
The good news, however, is Risner boasts both flexibility and versatility, likely starting off his pro career at guard (a positional need for San Francisco) and potentially bumping outside if the need presents itself.
Risner’s ability to move in run blocking should be attractive to Shanahan, too.