The San Francisco 49ers have conducted one of their official pre-draft visits, but they have several more already lined up. Beat writer Matt Barrows is reporting the team will bring in Temple offensive lineman Dion Dawkins for an official visit. The 49ers hosted LB Reuben Foster recently, and have visits planned with Mississippi State pass rusher Johnathan Calvin and Clemson QB DeShaun Watson.
Dawkins stands a shade under 6’4, weighs 314 pounds, and has 35 inch arms. He started for three straight year as a left tackle, but there is some thought that he might be better suited at guard. One AFC Scout had this to say in Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting report:
"I don't know if I see him as a guard or a tackle yet, but I think he can play both. I like him because I think he could upgrade our pass protection inside if we did bump him to guard, but he's athletic enough to play right tackle, too."
The 49ers offensive line depth chart has plenty of questions under the new coaching staff. They have Joe Staley and Trent Brown penciled in at tackle. After that, there is a lot to be determined. Joshua Garnett played right guard last year, and would potentially be in the same spot this year. The 49ers acquired Jeremy Zuttah to compete with Daniel Kilgore at center. Zane Beadles played left guard last year, but the loser of the Zuttah-Kilgore competition could very well compete for a guard spot. There is not much behind that group, so there is definitely room to add depth.
Projections are suggesting Dawkins could be a second round pick. The 49ers need depth along the offensive line, but would they consider such an option in the second round? If they were to move down from either their current No. 2 position in the first or second rounds, it could open up some more possibilities.