2016 NFL Mock Draft: Week 3 edition
By Dani Bostick
OT. Texas A&M. Germain Ifedi. 13. player. 42.
The 49ers had such a mass exodus in the offseason, that they should really take the best available player on the board when it is their turn to draft. They can use help pretty much everywhere.
The 49ers offensive line is particularly bad, however. Outside of the first game against Minnesota, which seems to be an anomaly, the offensive line has struggled with run blocking. Actually, the line has struggled with all jobs offensive linemen are supposed to do. So far this season the have allowed six sacks, seven hits, and 27 hurries.
Germain Ifedi would be a welcome addition to the unit. A large player at 6’6″ and 335 pounds, Ifedi has played both right guard and right tackle and is practicing at left tackle. He leverages his super-long arms and stout build to harass defenders.
His pass protection and run blocking skills are very strong and should translate well to NFL play. Like many players his size, speed is not his forte, but he will need to improve in that area and also become a bit quicker to be a true difference-maker in the pros. As things stand, he has trouble managing fast edge rushers.
Texas A&M’s line has not been as effective so far this season, allowing ten sacks in three games. Offensive coordinator Jake Spavital called the problems facing the unit “easily fixable.” These deficits are not a reflection of Ifedi, rather the high turnover in players with the departure of Luke Joeckel, Jake Matthews, and Cedric Ogbuehi in recent years.
Another advantage of Ifedi is that he plays in a competitive conference and has provided pass protection against some of the strongest defenses in college football. His transition to the NFL won’t be seamless, but he will be ready to contribute his rookie year.
Next: No. 14 St. Louis Rams