San Francisco 49ers: Day 2 offensive line fits in 2018 NFL Draft

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 08: Brian O'Neill #70 of the Pittsburgh Panthers rushes for a 24-yard touchdown in the first half during the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on October 8, 2016 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 08: Brian O’Neill #70 of the Pittsburgh Panthers rushes for a 24-yard touchdown in the first half during the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on October 8, 2016 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Brian O’Neill – Pittsburgh

More of a project than Crosby as a tackle prospect, O’Neill is a player the 49ers would have to spend more time developing, but one who is certainly blessed with the athleticism to succeed in the scheme.

O’Neill posted the fifth-best SPARQ score among offensive linemen and his testing matches up to his tape. He gets off the snap extremely well and displays consistently impressive footwork to stay in lockstep with edge rushers. O’Neill also demonstrates a wide base and a well-timed punch to allow him to hold up on an island at left tackle.

Capable of accessing the second and third level of a defense with remarkable ease. O’Neill is a natural fit for an offense that likes putting running backs in space. However, his deficiencies are enough to warrant keeping him on the bench for now.

Undersized at 6-6 and 297 pounds, O’Neill struggles to handle the bull rush and has had issues with hand placement. Too often O’Neill’s hands are outside the defender’s pads, limiting his ability to lock on. He will also have instances where he abandons all technique and lurches into blocks with his head down.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-Round projection

Yet with added mass to his frame and some refinement, O’Neill could be a more than capable starter at the NFL level, and a worthwhile project for a 49ers team with shaky depth at tackle.

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