The San Francisco 49ers selected Kansas guard Dominick Bonnie with the 86th pick in Friday's third round of the NFL Draft.
The team's fans were longing for someone who could protect Brock Purdy and they finally got that in Puni, who played both left tackle and left guard for the Jayhawks. Bonney's speed — a sluggish 5.35-second 40-yard dash — suggests the guard could be his spot in the NFL, and The athleteDane Brugler rated it as such. He was Brugler's fifth-best point guard in the draft.
The 49ers traded eight spots to acquire Bonnie, sending their third-round pick (No. 94) and fourth-round pick (No. 132) to the Philadelphia Eagles to get him.
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Bonnie is ranked No. 56 on Dane Brugler's Top 300 Large Companies list. Here's what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
“Bony runs with his feet and directs defenders in the running game with an attacking mentality but is calculated to make split-second adjustments on the move. Although he has some limitations in space as a pass blocker, he plays with power and mobility to respond to different types of rushes.
“Generally, Bony will have trouble bending at the waist or letting his pad rise, but he plays big and strong and sends a tough message with his hands while remaining in control through contact. He can play at tackle, if necessary, but he projects best as a point guard or center. American National Football League.
Nick Baumgardner ranks the selection
It's a bit surprising that Pony has come this far. The former Kansas star is a guard/handler prospect who got plenty of pass protection work in college but also translates well inside to guard. A big guy (33 3/8 arms, 10 1/8 hands), Bonnie needs to make sure he's consistent with his bend — especially if he stays outside — but there's a lot of potential here. Maybe even inside the center.
degree: B+
How it fits
It is possible that the Bonnies could unseat incumbent John Feliciano as right guard this season. But he will likely serve as a backup inside in 2024 and then move into a starting role next season. Feliciano is only signed for the current season while left guard Aaron Banks is also set to become a free agent in March.
Bonnie was cross-trained at tackle, guard and center at Kansas, suggesting he can be exploited at any of those positions. He started 13 games at left guard in 2022 and 12 at left guard last season and did not allow a sack in any of those contests.
Beginner effect
Puni is another draft pick who played a lot of snaps in college. He had 18 starts at Central Missouri and 25 more at Kansas. Per Brugler was known for his calm, steady demeanor at Kansas, and he held up well — at various positions, including center — at the Senior Bowl in January. At 24 years old, he's also a bit older than the average rookie.
The 49ers don't need him to have a big role in 2024, but the above traits point to someone who might be able to take on additional responsibility as a starter.
Depth chart effect
Feliciano came on strong at the end of the 2023 season and will be difficult to replace at right guard, especially considering the bulk of Bonney's college experience was on the left side. However, Bonnie will likely get offseason reps at both guard positions and has a chance to be the best backup player at both positions. If he continues to make progress, he could take over a starting role throughout the season.
They could also choose…
The 49ers have yet to take advantage of the deep bloodlines running through the draft. They were thought to be the favorites for the younger brother of Rice receiver Christian McCaffrey, who went to the Washington leaders with the final pick in the third round. Meanwhile, Jerry Rice's son, USC receiver Brenden Rice, will still be available when Day 4 begins.
The 49ers could also stand to add another tight end. Penn State's Theo Johnson and TCU's Jared Wiley remain on the board.
Quick evaluation
After passing on offensive linemen in the first two rounds, the 49ers landed a versatile one in the third round in Bonnie. Although he didn't have the best 40-yard dash time, Kyle Shanahan said his shuttle time of 4.4 seconds was outstanding for a team that wants its interior linemen to fire.
Bonnie's experience at all five offensive line positions could come in handy if the 49ers suffer a rash of injuries anywhere in 2024. However, his future appears to be as a point guard, either on the right side or if Aaron Banks isn't given a second contract. , on the left.
(Photo: Joe Robbins/Ikon Sportswire via Getty Images)
