49ers big board for 2020 NFL Draft: Bowl games edition
. Center. Ducks . Jake Hanson. 18. player. 820
Pros:
- Leader of the Oregon offensive line, responsible for altering calls and assignments regarding blocking
- Perfect hand placements allow him optimum leverage
- Excellent pass protection
- Has good lateral mobility which allows him to get some good angles on defenders
Cons:
- Has problems when defenses run stunts, allowing defenses to get past him
- Despite his good mobility, he has had heavy feet at times
- Weaker in run blocking
Weston Richburg has been great this year for the 49ers, however he’s not been able to stay healthy. San Francisco needs a young center to develop behind Richburg, and Jake Hanson is an intriguing prospect.
Hanson is the center (pun intended) of the Oregon offensive line, being responsible for calling the assignments for the offensive line. He specializes in pass protection, where his aggression and hands help mitigate pass-rushers.
He isn’t perfect on technique, however. His feet sometimes stop moving and allow defenders to overpower him, and he isn’t as good in the running game.
His big flaw in pass protection is defending stunts, as he is prone to chasing linemen and allowing holes to open in the middle.
Draft range: Second round
Hanson is the second best center in the draft, and is projected to go sometime on day two of the draft. If the 49ers move down, he could provide excellent value for a team that needs to have more bodies in the interior offensive line.