SF 49ers mock NFL Draft: Constructing the ideal 2021 rookie class

5 of 8

Offensive lineman Matt Allen #64 of the Michigan State Spartans against defensive lineman Ben Oxley #83 of the Northwestern Wildcats (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Matt Allen. 172. player. 805. . Interior Offensive Line. Spartans

SF 49ers Round 5, Pick No. 172 Overall: IOL Matt Allen, Michigan State

The Niners already went through a lot of changes along their offensive line in 2020, and there could be even more on the horizon next season.

One of those likely will happen within the interior where center Weston Richburg has been banged up both last season and entering 2020 and left guard Laken Tomlinson could possibly be a cap casualty. It also might be necessary for San Francisco to seek out upgrades at right guard, too.

At any rate, the depth of the 2021 O-line draft class warrants at least two selections, and it wouldn’t hurt at all if the 49ers went with Michigan State center/guard Matt Allen in Round 5 if he stays that deep into day three.

Allen, 6-foot-3 and 303 pounds, Allen is a natural fit in zone-style schemes where he can use his lateral movement skills on a regular basis. His football IQ is also top notch, and he won’t get outsmarted by various stunts and delayed blitzes very often.

He is prone, however, to bigger and stronger interior defenders, though, meaning it wouldn’t be smart to rely on him being an exceptional pass protector early in his career.

Considering the innovative blocking schemes Kyle Shanahan has, though, one figures Allen could overcome this weakness relatively soon by working within the confines of the system, potentially becoming an immediate starter at guard or potential long-term replacement for Richburg.