Patterson gives the 49ers useful insurance at the two hardest interior spots to cover on game day. He has played both center and guard, understands combination blocks and has already had to make NFL starts. I do not see a dominant mover or a player who should push an established starter out of the lineup, but as a fifth interior option he makes sense. His value is keeping the operation functional when somebody goes down.
Strengths: He is smart, technically experienced and comfortable making calls at center or fitting blocks at guard. Patterson plays with good effort, keeps his hands active and offers the position flexibility needed from a reserve who may dress on Sundays.
Weaknesses: Average length and athletic range limit him against explosive interior rushers and on difficult space blocks. He can be stressed by pure power, and his career to date points toward spot-start utility rather than dependable above-average starting play.
