Sourdough Sam
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- Mar 20, 2019
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This week, 49ers.com is covering five positions that have been identified as targets for the San Francisco 49ers with the 31st-overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The safety and cornerback positions were previously addressed, as Jimmie Ward is set to hit the open market this month, and Richard Sherman enters the final year of his contract in San Francisco.
Up next, we'll visit the offensive line, where through mock drafts and expert analysis, NFL pundits believe the 49ers could look to add depth in next month's draft. San Francisco boasted an offensive line that aided the league's second-ranked rushing offense with 2,305 yards on the ground, 23 touchdowns and an average of 144.1 yards per game.
Injuries forced a number of rotations along the offensive line in 2019. Namely, center Weston Richburg, who suffered a season-ending torn patellar tendon in Week 14. According to Richburg, he expects to make a full return by training camp this summer. Veteran Ben Garland, who stepped in for Richburg towards the latter half of the season, is set to hit free agency this month.
Daniel Brunskill, an exclusive rights free agent who was tendered a one-year contract on Thursday, and rookie Justin Skule stepped in admirably at tackle during various points of the year with injuries to Mike McGlinchey and Joe Staley. Speaking of Staley, San Francisco anticipates the veteran left tackle to return in Year 14. The 49ers signed Staley to a two-year contract extension back in June of 2019. He missed seven regular season games due to injuries, however played at a high level when he was on the field, allowing just seven pressures in 240 pass-blocking snaps this season - the third best mark in the league.
Whether through adding depth along the interior offensive line, or grooming a tackle opposite McGlinchey, draft analysts offered options for San Francisco at Pick 31. Here's a look at some offensive linemen who have been linked to the 49ers.
Prospect Profiles: | Safety | Cornerback |