Finally a realistic mock draft for the 49ers

Finally, a mock draft that makes sense for the 49ers.

Throughout the offseason, draft experts predicted that the 49ers would select a defensive lineman in the first round, despite the fact that they spent free agency acquiring four players to that position. They have already addressed it. Spending their first pick on another defensive lineman would be excessive.

Chad Reuter of NFL.com understands it. That is why he has the 49ers trading up with the Miami Dolphins for pick 21 to select Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuagau. “I feel one of the best offensive tackles will tumble outside the top 20,” Reuter said, “and Fuaga’s incomplete workout stats, along with some teams projecting him as a guard, may make him the odd one out. Miami requires mid-round picks, so the 49ers trade late third- and fourth-round picks (for a sixth-round pick) to get an immediate starter on the right side of the line.

The argument behind the trade-up is sound. The question is whether Fuaga would fit into the 49ers’ offensive scheme. Kyle Shanahan often prefers a light and agile right side of his offensive line, weighing little more than 310 pounds. However, those light offensive linemen have been bullied in the playoffs for years. Perhaps Shanahan recognizes the need for greater size along that side of the offensive line.

Starting right guard Jon Feliciano weighs 325 pounds, which is a departure from what the 49ers generally want for at that position. Fuagua weighs 325 pounds as well. So maybe the 49ers want to get larger and stronger on the right side of the offensive line.

It couldn’t hurt.