SF 49ers post-Super Bowl 7-round mock NFL Draft

The next biggest need at this moment for the SF 49ers is clearly bolstering the interior of its offensive line, which has struggled to stay healthy and be effective, often at the same time, over the last few seasons.

One of the big moves head coach Kyle Shanahan made upon joining the Niners was to bring in former NY Giants center Weston Richburg on a big-money contract, but Richburg has struggled to stay healthy, featuring in just 28 games in three seasons, including all of last year’s playoff run and the entirety of 2020.

So while there will be dead money on his contract if they cut Richburg, the SF 49ers could save $17.1 million against just a $6.9 million dead money hit if they wait until after June 1 to do so. Other than renegotiating his deal, it doesn’t look like the center has much of a leg to stand on.

But either way, the team needs someone who can be counted on at the position, and Oklahoma’s Creed Humphrey may just be that guy.

He’s a three-year starter with the Sooners and is considered a highly intelligent and savvy interior lineman who knows how to use his frame to overpower interior defensive lineman. This is essential in the NFC West, where the Niners face the likes of the LA Rams’ Aaron Donald twice a year.

Humphrey’s athleticism will be a question, but if he can prove himself able to move well enough, he could be a stalwart along the Niners O-line for years to come.