How each SF 49ers 2020 NFL Draft pick improves in 2021

Colton McKivitz just needs more reps

The offensive line became the theme for San Francisco in 2020, almost indicative of all the problems the team faced over the course of the season. Whether they be injuries, a lack of enough depth or whatever, frustrations centered along the O-line almost all year long.

That said, and despite his own noticeable problems, fifth-round rookie lineman Colton McKivitz showed enough why he could be at least a quality depth piece in coming years.

For starters, little should be expected right away from day-three picks, and the intention was to have McKivitz move from his collegiate tackle role inside to right guard. While the uneducated observer might think they’re two similar roles, the duties are in fact awfully different.

Tack on zero on-field practices until training camp and the overly complex nature of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, and it’s understandable why McKivitz struggled a bit his rookie season.

That said, McKivitz receiving a 53.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus isn’t terrible given the circumstances. He was essentially “tossed into the deep end” right away despite the lack of OTAs and preseason, which could have helped him polish both his pro-level technique and position switch.

While it’s way too premature to assume McKivitz becomes anything more than a reserve option, he at least looks like he can be a quality depth piece and versatile enough to move around the offensive line with a full year under his belt.