49ers fix free-agent losses in this 7-round mock NFL Draft
player. 829. . Offensive Guard. Crimson Tide . Emil Ekiyor Jr.. 155
Round 5, Pick No. 155 Overall: 49ers select OG Emil Ekiyor Jr.
Left Guard Aaron Banks did more than surprise in his first full season as a starter, in fact, he looked like a perennial All-Pro next to Trent Williams. That alone is no easy task.
Holding down the right side is second-year man Spencer Burford, and he was the only rookie offensive lineman to go all season while not allowing a sack. Together he and Banks have the potential to anchor the interior line alongside Jake Brendel for the unforeseen future.
But what about depth? You can never have too many quality protectors.
Enter Emil Ekiyor Jr.
In five seasons for the Crimson Tide, he manned both the guard positions and gave up an impressive two quarterback sacks in almost 2,700 snaps. How’s that for protection?
A three-man rotation of Banks, Burford, and Ekiyor would not only keep the guard position on fresh legs, but it would also be a lateral move in terms of stability.
Ekiyor is an absolute workhorse and plays with a mean streak from the snap to the whistle. The Niners offensive line has a bright future ahead, but with the former Alabama prospect in the mix, it could be even brighter.