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5 players 49ers should draft in the first round

By Nicholas McGee

Ohio State football quarterback Justin Fields. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State football quarterback Justin Fields. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 1, 2018; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Chase Young (2) rushes the line (2) in the first half against Northwestern Wildcats lineman Rashawn Slater (70) in the Big Ten conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2018; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Chase Young (2) rushes the line (2) in the first half against Northwestern Wildcats lineman Rashawn Slater (70) in the Big Ten conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /

Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

One of the biggest advantages of the 49ers re-signing Trent Williams, beyond them locking down perhaps the best left tackle in the game, was the freedom it bought them in the draft to go in any direction they want in the draft. They do not have to prioritize the tackle position to find a Williams replacement, but his return does not preclude them from selecting one of the top offensive line prospects in the class.

The 49ers were in attendance at Northwestern’s pro day to witness one of those prospects put on a show. Slater would have been an excellent replacement for Williams at left tackle, but he could also start at guard, where any concerns over his arm length would be minimized.

San Francisco has not typically placed a premium on guards since Shanahan and John Lynch arrived, but Slater’s gifts are enough that he could prove an exception to the rule.

His ability to consistently shut down opposing pass rushers when he locks his arms on could help solve interior protection issues that have been a thorn in San Francisco’s side in recent times, while his explosion to the second level in the run game – which was further illustrated by 4.91-second 40-yard dash and a 1.68 10-yard split – makes him an excellent fit for the 49ers’ zone-blocking scheme.

The offensive line may not be the priority for the Niners following the Williams deal and the signing of center Alex Mack, but picking Slater would turn an area of concern into a strength and put Garoppolo in an excellent position to succeed.