5 prospects 49ers can draft to upgrade the offensive line

Everyone has a different wish list coming into the offseason, but for a while now, it seems that San Francisco 49ers fans have been universally calling out for improvements on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

The Niners' initial moves in free agency -- adding a Nick Bosa bookend in Leonard Floyd, remaking the defensive tackle position with the acquisitions of Jordan Elliott and Maliek Collins, and acquiring a young tweener in Yetur Gross-Matos -- have certainly gone a long way to doing at least one half of this, reshaping large parts of the defensive line.

At the time of writing, though, beyond smaller re-signings such as offensive lineman Ben Bartch, no capital has been invested into any remodeling. This likely has something to do with the blown-up market for offensive linemen, as the Carolina Panthers' $100 million deal for reputed 49ers target Robert Hunt can attest.

It's reasonable to assume the 49ers would still very much like to improve their offensive line, building depth and skill, as well as allowing marginal starters like Colton McKivitz to play a more Daniel Brunskill-like role (remember him?), that of the versatile backup, something he may be better suited to on the whole.

Fortunately, as the Niners hold 10 picks in the deep and forthcoming draft, there should be several opportunities available to the team to build some young, talented offensive line depth at a cost-effective price.

Let's take a look at some possibilities and their fit onto San Francisco's roster.

No. 1: Jordan Morgan, Arizona

One of my personal favorites is Jordan Morgan, the 6 foot 5, 320-pound tackle from Arizona. He is projected to be picked around the 49ers' first-round pick at 31 in many mock drafts, and there are plenty of reasons why Morgan might appeal.

Despite his large frame, he has good mobility, especially when getting to the second level on run blocks. His pass protection is also a significant strength, mostly notably demonstrated in a game against UCLA where he received a 91.1 grade from Pro Football Focus, while facing several NFL prospect rushers. He's been a durable, reliable, player, ending his three-year college career having played 33 games and only allowing eight sacks overall.

Most project Morgan as a right tackle in the NFL, and given his skillset, particularly in pass protection, Morgan could therefore be a significant upgrade. One knock on Morgan is his shorter arms, which traditionally has been something the 49ers shy away from at the tackle position. Fortunately, he also potentially has the versatility to slide in and upgrade the depth chart at guard, particularly on the right-hand side, where Spencer Burford and recently re-signed Jon Feliciano platooned last season.

In a world where NFL teams are increasingly carrying seven starter-level offensive linemen, Morgan's skillset and versatility could give the 49ers a lot of options at multiple positions along the line, while ostensibly freeing up others to play roles that they may be better suited to.