The San Francisco 49ers are wrapping up their pre-draft official visits on Wednesday, and we can add another name to the list. Draftanalyst.com reporter Tony Pauline is reporting the 49ers hosted Indiana guard Dan Feeney for a visit.
Feeney is projected as a potential early second round pick who could climb into the first round. Western Kentucky’s Forrest Lamp is expected to be the first guard off the board, but Mike Mayock and CBS Sports both have him as their second guard. ESPN and Pro Football Focus both have him as their third guard. ESPN has Temple’s Dion Dawkins No. 2, while PFF has Western Michigan’s Taylor Moton as his second guard off the board.
Feeney played both right tackle and right guard during his final year in college, but he is best suited to play guard in the NFL. His value drops because of that, but scouting reports suggest he could be a very capable guard. It seems like his ceiling is along the lines of multiple Pro Bowls, but not All Pro honors. I think most people could live with that from a second round pick.
Below are two summaries from scouting reports. Additionally, you can check out this recent write-up at The 49ers Hub.
NFL.com: “Four-year starter and two-time team captain, Feeney has been the consistent anchor along an Indiana offensive line that helped to produce NFL running backs Tevin Coleman and Jordan Howard. Feeney is a quality zone blocker with an ability to pull and lead the charge, but he might lack the play strength to become a reliable base blocker. His intelligence and ability to operate in space and protect the quarterback could make him an early starter with a ceiling of above-average NFL guard or center.”
PFF: “While 2016 was a bit more up and down due to his injuries and playing both right guard and right tackle, Feeney has a strong body of work within Indiana’s o ense. He’s a strong pass protector when playing guard and he’s improved enough in the run game to look like a viable player in a zone-heavy scheme at the next level.”