49ers NFL Draft: 4 way-too-early targets for San Francisco in 2022
By Peter Panacy
3. player. 819. . Center. Fighting Irish . Jarrett Patterson
49ers Draft Target No. 3: Center Jarrett Patterson, Notre Dame
On the surface, this might seem something like a luxury pick and a bit unnecessary after the 49ers already grabbed veteran center Alex Mack in free agency earlier this offseason.
But Mack, who’ll turn 36 years old later this offseason, is signed through 2023 but might not see the final year of his contract, depending on how the Niners’ long-term finances go. And it wouldn’t be the worst idea for San Francisco to start thinking about his eventual replacement.
Plus, head coach Kyle Shanahan rarely tabs this position for a rookie given the complexity of his offense and how much responsibility is placed on the center. So, if the 49ers want to get younger and cheaper here, grabbing someone next year and letting him develop as a backup for a full season would be a wise move.
Notre Dame center Jarrett Patterson, 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, is a quick mover and someone with the football IQ to command a complicated offense.
Centers rarely crack Round 1 of the draft, but a Round 2 grade is certainly fair.
On top of that, the Niners seem to appreciate Fighting Irish offensive linemen, grabbing right tackle Mike McGlinchey back in 2018 and, most recently, offensive guard Aaron Banks this year.
Perhaps Patterson becomes the next player in the mix to make something of an All-Irish O-line in San Francisco.