49ers NFL Draft: Ranking each rookie by projected 2021 impact

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Offensive Lineman Jaylon Moore #74 from Western Michigan (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

49ers No. 5: Jaylon Moore, Tackle/Guard

The main avenue for most rookies in the 2021 draft class to start will come through due to injuries to starts.

Jaylon Moore is in this category. While he played left tackle at Western Michigan, he’ll probably be moved to guard where he could have been a very good chance to start if the 49ers didn’t invest a second-round pick in Aaron Banks.

If Banks or incumbent guard Laken Tomlinson get injured, however, then Moore could be named a starter with an impressive camp and preseason. He’ll be a strong candidate to be a backup guard for both positions and given the strong likelihood of injuries among the trenches, be a starter by proxy.

If Moore has a very impressive camp, could he beat out Banks or Tomlinson for the job?

Unlikely, but not impossible. Moore will be one to watch in camp.