There are a number of qualified NFL Draft analysts out there, but Dane Brugler of CBS Sports is one of the best. Brugler was nice enough to join 49ers.com and answer five draft-related questions as we are now inside one month before the San Francisco 49ers go on the clock in Chicago.
You can follow Brugler on Twitter @dpbrugler.
1. Who is the best offensive player in the draft?
"Laremy Tunsil is the best offensive prospect in the draft. He was born to be an offensive tackle. His body control, his athleticism, his size, his strength – it's all there. He's a plug and play. He'll be in the NFL for a long time."
2. Who is your favorite offensive player in the draft?
"Ezekiel Elliott. There's nothing he can't do as a running back. He might not be as physically gifted as Todd Gurley, but it's hard to find weaknesses in his game: as a runner, as a blocker and as a pass-catcher. It's all there for him to step in from Day 1. He's a type of running back you can build your offense around."
3. Who is the best defensive player in the draft?
"There are three guys at the top that I really like. Jalen Ramsey from Florida State can play cornerback, in the nickel or safety. Wherever you want to put him, he's going to perform. The ball skills, the instincts, the athleticism, his size, his length, it's fantastic.
"Myles Jack from UCLA, his coverage ability is amazing. He's basically a corner out there covering wide receivers. His speed and the way he processes things is above average. You have to be creative with how you use Jack, but for a smart defensive coordinator, he's going to be an impact player.
"And then Joey Bosa, he might not be that elite speed guy like Von Miller, but he doesn't need to be. He puts pressure on the pocket with his initial get-off, his power, his leverage and his understanding of technique. He knows how to break the rhythm of offensive linemen. While he might not be that elite speed-rusher that a lot of teams want, he's going to be productive for a long time."
4. Which prospect are you higher on than your peers?
"One guy who most people have in the middle rounds but I like in the second round is Ronald Blair, the defensive end from Appalachian State. He's a player that was under-recruited out of high school. He started all four years, was consistently productive and his tape is impressive. Even against Clemson this past year, the best competition he faced, they couldn't block him. I think Blair, similarly to Bosa, he's not that guy that's going to consistently win with speed around the edge, but he uses his length, he's strong and the motor never quits.
"And then Xavien Howard, the corner from Baylor. He's well built and has the size that you want to match up with receivers at the next level. I love that he takes chances. He's not afraid to make mistakes. He's going to make more plays than he makes mistakes. His technique needs to catch up, but I love his confidence."
Blair note: 19 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and one interception in 2015 … Named the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year.
Howard note: 42 tackles, five interceptions and one fumble recovery in 2015 … Consensus First-Team All-Big 12 Selection.
5. Who do you see as an ideal fit with the 49ers?
"If Jared Goff is there, I think it makes a ton of sense. He's a quick mental processor. I think that's the number one criteria that Chip Kelly wants for his offense. To be able to get the ball out quick, that's the best way to sum up Chip's offense. That's what makes Goff so effective. At Cal, there were a lot of quick-hitters and pre-snap reads. I think he'd be a natural fit."
Goff note: Brugler currently has the Cal quarterback slotted to the 49ers at No. 7 in his mock draft.
