The 49ers are continuing to do their due diligence on offensive linemen in this year’s draft. They had a pre-draft video meeting with Michigan guard Michael Onwenu according to Draft Wire’s Justin Melo.
Onwenu is a massive human who measured in at 6-3, 344 pounds at the NFL combine. He isn’t a top-end prospect, but 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has made do without elite prospects on the interior, and their additions at guard may just come later in the draft or in the undrafted free agent pool.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein noted that what Onwenu lacks in athleticism he makes up for with very good strength. If Onwenu is athletic enough to move around and get outside in the 49ers’ system, he could be a player who winds up pushing for a roster spot if they pick him up. If the team doesn’t believe he possess that athleticism though, it’s hard to imagine they’d try bringing him in to compete for the starting right guard job.
However, Onwenu was twice a third-team All-Big Ten selection while spending time at both guard spots. Versatility is key, especially for a player whose likely role would come as a reserve.
