Amini

Silatolu

Silatolu got in a limited week of practice, so there is a good chance he suits up in the season opener. Silatolu could get snaps at right tackle if Daryl Williams (knee, questionable) is not ready.

Midwestern State held its Pro Day on Thursday, and Silatolu improved his broad jump to 9'3" and vertical to 32" after standing on 28 bench press reps from the Combine. The 6'4/314 pound behemoth moves well for his size and punishes defensive linemen on contact. The 2012 guard class is incredibly deep, but Silatolu warrants some comparisons to 2010 first-round pick Mike Iupati.

An absolute mauler at the Division II level after transferring from junior college, Silatolu projects inside to guard. The former left tackle excels in the run game, especially when pulling around the edge to clear lanes at the second level. Silatolu does struggle in pass protection on the edge against quicker rushers, but once he gets his hands on the opposition, it is over. After releasing long time guard Travelle Wharton, Silatolu has a shot to start over Mike Pollak.

The Niners have had success with small-school tackle-to-guard conversions, specifically LG Mike Iupati. Silatolu would fit San Francisco’s mentality on the offensive line as a brute mauler with deceptively impressive athleticism. He would likely compete for the starting job at right guard, replacing Adam Snyder.

Silatolu was a consensus All-American after anchoring Midwestern State’s D-II leading offense. Mean, tough, and nasty, Silatolu developed a reputation for finishing blocks by blocking the defender off the video screen. Although he played left tackle in college, Silatolu will battle Mike Pollak for the starting left guard job in Charlotte.

Silatolu is not a well-recognized name because he played D-2 ball, but the two-time Lone Star Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year has gained steam recently in the public eye. “This kid played left tackle. Most people think he’s gonna kick inside,” says Mayock. “But I put the tape on ... I couldn’t believe how well this thick-bodied left tackle moved laterally. Trust me folks, he’s nasty as can be. He might be a second-round pick.”

Silatolu gets Iupati, Larry Allen, and Jahri Evans comparisons because he is a mauling, small-school guard prospect. Many NFL evaluators are worried about Silatolu’s intelligence, although he scored a respectable 20 on the Wonderlic Test. The mental capacity is of particular concern because Silatolu will change positions in the pros, transitioning from college tackle to NFL guard.

Lande goes so far as to say Silatolu will “likely” be drafted on day one. Lande projects Silatolu to guard in the NFL, but points to his “violent” and “aggressive” hands with “exceptional instincts and football awareness” as reasons to believe Silatolu can be an impact interior blocker. The 49ers, Ravens, and Texans could all use guard help at the end of round one.

Silatolu is working next to Jordan Gross on the left side. Although he struggled initially to pick up the playbook, his talent and attitude are winning teammates over. Silatolu should be an immediate upgrade in the rushing attack.

A 2012 second-round pick, Silatolu had yet to miss a start. The Midwestern State product had a rough rookie season, however, grading out as a bottom-five guard in Pro Football Focus’ ratings. He’ll be the favorite to retain left guard duties in next summer’s camp, but could face competition from a veteran free agent.