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2016 NFL mock draft: Final edition

By Matt Verderame

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 21: Damon Knox
SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 21: Damon Knox /

Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

Let’s get this out of the way right now; the San Francisco 49ers need a ton of help. In a perfect world, Goff or Wentz would have slipped to this spot and the 49ers could have run the draft card up to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Of course, this is not fantasy land, so San Francisco won’t be taking a quarterback here unless it does some serious reaching for Paxton Lynch.

Drafting Ronnie Stanley would be a great move for general manager Trent Baalke on a few fronts. First, Joe Staley has been a very good left tackle over the years for the 49ers, but he is 31 years old and will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. While Staley is still on the roster and performing at a high level, Stanley could lock down the right side and help improve one of the worst offensive lines in the league.

San Francisco is in a rebuild and the best way to start that process is build up the trenches. The 49ers are going to struggle whether Colin Kaepernick or Blaine Gabbert starts under center, but they at least have a small chance with vastly improved protection. This would be a wise pick for San Francisco.

Next: Browns on the clock

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