Each draft season, 49ers fans scream about investing in the offensive line with valuable draft capital. The organization has a philosophy of waiting until later in the draft for offensive linemen or developing players with skill sets that fit Kyle Shanahan’s scheme. The highest draft picks for linemen have been tackle Mike McGlinchey, guard Aaron Banks, and current right guard Dominick Puni. Trading for Trent Williams during the 2020 draft can be considered a big investment, but center Jake Brendel
was signed off the street, and right tackle Colton McKivitz was a late-round draft investment.
The 49ers have to future-proof themselves at left tackle, center, and left guard.
Here are three Day 3 options for the 49ers to help the offensive line.
T Markel Bell, Miami
Bell is a giant man with his 6’9” height and 346 lbs frame. The third or fourth round is where Bell will land, and he offers high upside with his body type and length. It may take a top-100 pick (seriously, around 100) to secure Bell. There is work to do with the young man. The selection isn’t without risk, as Bell seems suited as a lineman in a gap scheme offense while he develops the rest of his game. Still, Bell made strides from his junior to senior year, and with the right coaching, could continue to develop. A future left tackle possibility.
T Jude Bowry, Boston College
Bowry is explosive as it gets at the position, but it is a risky investment. The Boston College left tackle possesses a high ceiling but a low floor. His physical gifts suggest he can improve as a pass protector, so again, the 49ers coaching staff will have to harness his gifts and unearth his potential. Bowry’s draft value is firmly in the fourth round, so the 49ers can roll the dice on the young man without significant draft capital. The left tackle from BC is another Trent Williams replacement.
C Pat Coogan, Indiana
Coogan helped anchor one of the better offensive lines in America as the Hoosiers went on to win the national title. As an inside zone/gap scheme center, Coogan can excel. The struggles may come in as an outside zone blocker, but with a draft investment of a sixth or seventh rounder, the center may be worth the investment, as the 49ers can groom him to take over the center position. Whoever is the starting left guard is important. If the left guard is as effective as Puni is at right guard, Coogan will be in position to succeed.
