49ers mock NFL Draft 2021 using only small-school players

2 of 8

National offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz of Wisconsin -Whitewater (71) Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 3, Pick No. 66 Overall (from Jets): 49ers select offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz, Wisconsin-Whitewater

Talk about small-school prospects, Wisconsin-Whitewater interior offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz is one to watch, and he’s steadily been on the rise ever since a strong outing during the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl week of practices.

For this mock selection, the 49ers trade down from No. 43 overall in a move with the New York Jets, picking up an additional day-two selection to bolster some much-needed depth within the top 100. Doing so would ultimately mean passing on some starting-caliber names, and Meinerz isn’t pegged to start right away.

But he does potentially fit a long-term need.

For starters, the 6-foot-3 Meinerz could end up being an upgrade at right guard over Daniel Brunskill right away, eventually transitioning into a long-term replacement for the veteran the Niners added at center during the offseason, Alex Mack.

Meinerz has improved his strength steadily since starting in 2018 and has the kind of movement skills necessary to thrive within a zone-style blocking system.

It might not be a flashy pick. But San Francisco would be happy with bolstering its offensive line at this point anyway.