Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers 2020 NFL Draft: Top 3 targets on day two

By Timmy Gibson

19 Apr 1998: A representative of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during the second day of the 1998 NFL Draft at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York. Mandatory Credit: Ezra C. Shaw /Allsport
19 Apr 1998: A representative of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during the second day of the 1998 NFL Draft at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York. Mandatory Credit: Ezra C. Shaw /Allsport /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Boise State Broncos
Ezra Cleveland, Boise State Broncos (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

895. . Offensive Tackle. Broncos . Ezra Cleveland. 1. player

This year’s NFL Draft has one of the stronger pools of talent at offensive tackle in recent memory, which was seen in the run on tackle’s during the first round tonight. There was some speculation the Niners might be interested in a tackle, which coincided with rumors longtime left tackle Joe Staley was considering retirement.

While Staley has still yet to confirm anything, I personally doubt he would retire without giving the 49ers plenty of advance notice. And given the Niners didn’t take an offensive tackle in the first round, it seems unlikely he told them he was retiring.

But even if Staley is returning, it makes sense for the 49ers to grab another offensive tackle, as Staley is certainly nearing the end of his career. So, the Niners should consider trading up to grab a player many thought they might select in the first round: Ezra Cleveland of Boise State.

Cleveland started for three years at Boise State where he played left tackle. Cleveland is an incredible athlete and a great fit for the 49ers’ outside-zone run scheme. He is not the most polished tackle in the draft, which is why he fell out of the first round, but he will be able to contribute to the Niners from day one if needed, and if not, he can learn behind one of the best in Staley.

Cleveland is someone the 49ers should definitely keep their eyes on during day two of the draft, particularly if he continues to fall and Staley is retiring.