Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers’ 7-round dark-horse prospect mock 2019 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Mike McGlinchey of Notre Dame after he was picked #9 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Mike McGlinchey of Notre Dame after he was picked #9 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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GAINESVILLE, FL – OCTOBER 06: Foster Moreau #18 of the LSU Tigers runs for yardage during the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL – OCTOBER 06: Foster Moreau #18 of the LSU Tigers runs for yardage during the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Wait, so three offensive players so far in a defensive-heavy class? The 49ers need defensive help, not offense.

True, but this is an out-of-the-box mock.

And another need is to find some depth help at tight end despite third-year pro George Kittle breaking onto the national scene with a record-setting Pro Bowl campaign a year ago.

Chiefly put, the Niners could stand for an upgrade over No. 2 tight end Garrett Celek, who was penalized six times a year ago and had just five receptions. With Kyle Shanahan’s offense still focusing on a lot of mismatched run formations, finding a solid run-blocking tight end should open things up even more than they were a year ago, possibly eliminating the risk of penalties Celek provided a year ago.

LSU tight end Foster Moreau is one of the better run-blocking tight ends in this year’s NFL Draft. While not as prominent a route runner, he’s also adept at creating yards after the catch — something that Kittle does amazingly well, so that’s something to monitor for future development.

Besides, even just cutting down on those holding penalties would be a major bonus.