Why Jeremiah believes Duke O-lineman is a good match for the 49ers at No. 31

Why Jeremiah believes Duke O-lineman is a good match for the 49ers at No. 31 in the draft. Originally featured on NBC Sports Bay Area

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah believes the 49ers will target the offensive line with their No. 31 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

In his most recent mock draft, Jeremiah has San Francisco selecting Duke University left tackle Graham Barton in the first round, with the condition that he would move to guard with the 49ers at the next level.

During a conference call with reporters on Thursday, Jeremiah was asked about the reasoning for the 49ers investing a first-round pick in an interior offensive lineman, which is unusual for NFL clubs.

“I don’t necessarily think that’s too high,” Jeremiah said regarding the 49ers’ chances of taking Barton in the first round. “He started a lot of games. He has played center. I believe that center is where he will ultimately excel. He can play wherever. Obviously, he recently played left tackle.

“I don’t think that’s crazy. I would say when you look at the interior guys in this draft, there’s other options too. I have done more work since my initial top-50 list came out.

“I’ll end up having [Oregon center] Jackson Powers-Johnson over Graham Barton, but I really like Graham Barton too and I like [West Virginia University center] Zach Frazier. I think all three of those guys would be plug and play guys.

“I’m not telling you anything you don’t know, but they’re [49ers] [in] win now, let’s go mode, and I think these guys — those three interior guys are plug and play for me.”

Daniel Jeremiah believes the 49ers will prioritize an interior offensive lineman at pick 31. pic.twitter.com/1aKk1N1r7c

— Jason Aponte (@JasonAponte2103) February 24, 2024

Barton has extensive experience on the offensive line, starting as a center in his freshman season and progressing to left tackle in his final three years at Duke.

With over 2,500 snaps under his belt, Jeremiah believes he can contribute immediately to the 49ers, who are a contender.

The 2024 NFL Draft marks the first time the 49ers have a first-round selection since taking quarterback Trey Lance No. 3 overall in 2021.

San Francisco has not selected an offensive lineman in the first round since it took Notre Dame product Mike McGlinchey No. 9 overall in the 2018 draft.

After issues on the interior offensive line contributed to San Francisco falling just shy of Super Bowl glory, perhaps a pick like Barton could be exactly what the 49ers need as they aim to retool for another shot at the Vince Lombardi Trophy during the 2024 NFL season.