5 prospects the 49ers should watch at the 2018 East-West Shrine Game
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Offensive Tackle Zachary Crabtree, Oklahoma State
Projected Draft Position: Round 3/4
San Francisco 49ers
One of the players already interviewed by the 49ers includes Oklahoma State offensive tackle Zachary Crabtree.
At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Crabtree has the ideal size for a player needing to play in a zone-style system. He needs to work on pass protection, meaning he’d likely start off at right tackle if he ever develops into a starting-caliber offensive lineman. But his run support is pretty good, making him an early candidate to be a swing tackle at the NFL level.
The Niners appear set at tackle for the foreseeable future. Left tackle Joe Staley is still playing at a high level despite his age. And right tackle Trent Brown, despite some 2017 injuries, is one of the better pass blockers in the game right now.
Depth is an issue, though, as the 49ers struggled to find adequate backups. 2017 rookie Erik Magnuson ended up on injured reserve, as did Garry Gilliam. Zane Beadles isn’t a likable option either.
San Francisco will want to see Crabtree improve his pass-blocking skills, which should be the element watched during the East-West Shrine Game.
If those look good enough, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Niners use a mid-to-late-round pick if he’s available.