49ers 7-round mock 2022 NFL Draft using only Pac-12 players

Round 3, Pick No. 93 Overall: 49ers select C Dohnovan West, Arizona State

You thought we were kidding about notable investments in the offensive line early in the NFL Draft.

In this Pac-12 mock, San Francisco doubles down after finding a potential long-term fit at right tackle in Abraham Lucas by solving some potential long-term needs within the interior of the O-line, grabbing Arizona State center Dohnovan West at No. 93 overall.

At 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, West does have the flexibility to play at guard, either providing a quality depth piece for the interior or potentially emerging as a starting-caliber option over Daniel Brunskill or perhaps even presumed left guard Aaron Banks.

Read More: 49ers need to find Alex Mack’s replacement in 2022 draft

But the real reason to target West at this spot is to serve as an heir apparent to veteran Pro Bowl center Alex Mack, who appears poised to return for one more season but is nevertheless on the verge of retirement at 36 years old.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan has always sided with experience over youth at center. But if the 49ers want to infuse some youth into this all-important spot, they’d want to do so now instead of delaying those prospects until later.

West fits the bill.