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Predicting best- and worst-case roles for 49ers’ 2019 NFL Draft picks

By Robert Morrison

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa is greeted by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked 2nd overall by the San Francisco 49ers on day 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa is greeted by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked 2nd overall by the San Francisco 49ers on day 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER 27: Justin Skule #58 of the Vanderbilt Commodores lead blocks on a running play during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Commodores defeated the Razorbacks 45-31. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER 27: Justin Skule #58 of the Vanderbilt Commodores lead blocks on a running play during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Commodores defeated the Razorbacks 45-31. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

OT Justin Skule

Best case: Skule beats out incumbent swing tackle Shon Coleman to win the backup job for Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey, allowing the 49ers a cheaper option at the position.

Strangely, his — and the team’s — best case probably includes the former Vanderbilt tackle not seeing a meaningful down of football all season, as Staley and McGlinchey are clearly the best options at their respective positions.

That said, Skule shows himself to be useful during the preseason and as an extra blocker on special teams, giving him a role on the squad for 2019

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The super best case would be Skule proving to be of such quality that he can take over for Staley on the left side or McGlinchey at right, depending on what the future plans for last year’s first-round pick is.

Worst case: The knocks on Skule prove true, and he finds it difficult to make the step up to NFL-level pass protection, leading to his not making the 53-man roster and being subject to waivers.

Like with Smith’s worst case, hopefully Skule would end up on the 49ers’ practice squad and would be given the chance to develop as a pass protector.

Prediction: His eventual role might be a swing tackle in the NFL, but if I had to guess, I’d say the 49ers try to sneak him onto the practice squad for 2019.