SF 49ers: 5 NFL Draft prospects who can fix offensive line in 2021

SF 49ers NFL Draft Target No. 5: OT Alaric Jackson, Iowa

The SF 49ers sure love themselves some Iowa football players, as the 2017 additions of tight end George Kittle and quarterback C.J. Beathard display.

Iowa’s run-first offense seems to open up the door for the idea Kyle Shanahan would want someone who excels in run blocking, and the nature of the 2021 NFL Draft suggests there will be plenty of solid and potentially starting-caliber linemen available on day three.

One of those players is Alaric Jackson, who started on the left side while now-Tampa Bay Buccaneers lineman Tristan Wirfs started at right tackle.

Jackson, 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, has quick movement skills and would figure to operate well within a zone-style blocking system. He’s held his own against one-on-one blocks and doesn’t struggle too much to get to the second level. While there are some concerns about him setting the edge against power rushers off the outside, a potential move inside to guard could help alleviate this.

Considering the Niners may want to find an upgrade over Daniel Brunskill at right guard, or at least identify a long-term replacement for left guard Laken Tomlinson, using a fourth- or fifth-round selection on Jackson, if he’s available, would be a wise move.