5 SF 49ers players who’ll be on notice for 2021 season
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: SF 49ers Offensive Lineman Justin Skule
It’s not always fair to flag strictly reserve players as names who’ll be under the microscope. But given the importance of a swing tackle — particularly in the aforementioned case with Trent Williams possibly leaving in free agency — looking at two-year pro offensive lineman Justin Skule has its merits.
In 2019 during his rookie season, the former Vanderbilt product managed to get himself eight starts when the SF 49ers offensive line was dealing with a swarm of injuries.
While not as serious on the outside portion of the O-line in 2020, Skule still managed four starts and saw time on the inside, too.
According to Pro Football Focus, there was a notable downgrade in his efforts. In 2019, Skule posted a modest-but-respectable 62.3 overall grade, whereas his 2020 grade regressed down to 45.4.
The Niners’ O-line depth was tested a lot last season at every position outside of left guard, and Skule didn’t exactly do himself any favors to suggest he’s a solid backup, let alone a decent starting-caliber option.
Considering how deep the 2021 NFL Draft is with offensive lineman, it’s safe to say Skule will need to impress a lot between now and Week 1 to hang around.