The NFL draft is just around two months from now. That means mock draft season is officially in progress. Everyone tries to predict how the draft will shape up one way or another.
One person who’s mock draft carries the most weight in this spectrum is NFL Network’s draft expert Daniel Jeremiah.
He recently released his first mock draft earlier this week with the San Francisco 49ers selecting offensive lineman Graham Barton of Duke with pick No. 31. Offensive line is certainly a need for the 49ers, especially at the interior.
On Thursday, Jeremiah explained on a conference call why he likes Barton as well as listing a couple other players the 49ers could take at No. 31.
“He started a ton of games. He’s played center. I think that’s where his ultimate best position is going to be is at center. He can play anywhere,” said Jeremiah.
“Obviously recently having played left tackle. I had a higher grade on him just to compare the two players you’re talking about with him and Banks. I had a higher grade on him. I don’t think that’s crazy.
“I would say when you look at the interior guys in this draft, there’s other options too. I have done more work since my initial top 50 list came out. I’ll end up having Jackson Powers-Johnson over Graham Barton, but I really like Graham Barton too and I like Zach Frazier.
“I think all three of those guys would be plug and play guys. I’m not telling you anything you don’t know, but they’re win now, let’s go mode, and I think these guys — those three interior guys are plug and play for me.”
It isn’t a secret that the offensive line is the most glaring need for the 49ers. Aside from another edge rusher, there isn’t a spot where they could use another starter. It all resides with the offensive line. Really, they could use an upgrade at every offensive line spot outside of Trent Williams.
If the 49ers hold their position in the draft, then taking one of these three offensive lineman would be perfect for them.
