CBSSports.com's Dane Brugler published his latest mock draft on Monday and had a couple of interesting projections for the 49ers, with San Francisco picking an offensive guard in round one and a corner in round two. At the 30th overall pick in round one, Brugler explains his pick:
Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin: In the last few years, San Francisco has invested three first round picks on the offensive line and with right guard a need position, it wouldn't be surprising to see the 49ers revert to their old habit of drafting a blocker early. It doesn't always look pretty, but Kevin Zeitler gets the job done as both a run blocker and pass protector, playing with the same killer instinct and competitive drive the NFL has grown to expect from a Wisconsin lineman.
In round two, Brugler has the Niners addressing the other side of the ball, picking Oklahoma's Jamell Fleming with the 61st overall pick. Brugler:
Even with Carlos Rogers returning to the Bay, young depth at the cornerback position will be a priority on draft day.
An interesting pick by Brugler in this one, projecting Kevin Zeitler to the 49ers with several very solid interior line prospects still on the board. Our own James Brady published his interior linemen rankings on Tuesday, and had Zeitler ranked fifth. Per Brady:
5. Kevin Zeitler: He'd probably be the top guard in the class if his movement wasn't so poor. Actually, that's not true, because DeCastro exists. But yeah, you know what I'm getting at. Zeitler doesn't get off the ball quickly in the pass game .. you can actually see the delay as the rest of the line moves and then Zeitler moves. That being said, he's very strong and uses leverage well whenever he's able to get set for it. He's tough, flexible and definitely durable. He pulls very well and mauls in the run game. Zeitler is almost a finished product - he can start as a rookie, but I'm not sure there's an insanely high ceiling there. Immediate upgrade for San Francisco but not necessarily worth a first-round pick given the relatively low ceiling.
For more on the 49ers and the prospect of another guard in the first round, make sure you head over to Niners Nation and join in on the discussion.
