Projecting Colton McKivitz role with 49ers in 2020

The San Francisco 49ers invested a fifth-round pick in Colton McKivitz, the tackle out of West Virginia. The 49ers have a history of hitting fifth-round picks in the John Lynch era and Niner Noise breaks down his possible role in 2020.

West Virginia tackle Colton McKivitz has been drafted by the San Francisco 49ers during a time of relative instability on the offensive line.

Two starters have said goodbye to San Francisco. Left tackle Joe Staley retired after being one of the best players ever to suit up for the team, while right guard Mike Person was been cut for salary cap relief.

Granted, the masterful coup of acquiring Trent Williams to fill the hole left by Staley lessens the blow somewhat, but the offensive line is still a bit in the air for 2020.

For McKivitz, he has a chance to be either a starter or a prime backup for 2020. To do this, however, it makes sense to slide McKivitz inside to guard for his pro career.

It’s not unbelievable to think McKivitz could be a right tackle in the NFL given his skill set, but the 49ers seem set on using Justin Skule and Shon Coleman as their backups at the position.

The interior line, however, has much less depth, to the point McKivitz could slide inside and compete for a starting role right away.

Daniel Brunskill, who impressed the 49ers with his ability to play a multitude of positions with little dropoff in 2019, is the heavy favorite for the position. Frankly, it would be difficult to see him being ousted from the starting role unless his play falls off a cliff.

However, McKivitz still has the chance to at worst claim the backup job over Tom Compton. Similar to Brunskill, who played extensively in his first year as a 49ers player due to the injuries on the offensive line, McKivitz only needs an injury to show he can be a starter in the league.

Good depth is important for any Super Bowl contending team. The 49ers made the Super Bowl in no small part due to there being very little dropoff when backups had to be inserted.

To that end, it makes sense to slide McKivitz inside to play as a guard in the 49ers system. He has the skillset to excel there and could have the opportunity to be yet another fifth-round selection in the mold of tight end George Kittle or linebacker Dre Greenlaw to have an immediate impact with the team in the John Lynch era.

McKivitz should be talented enough to make the roster and to be the primary backup at guard. The only question would be when will opportunity knock for him to make a potential impact in the NFL.