49ers NFL Draft 2021: Predicting each rookie’s role, spot on depth chart
By Peter Panacy
No. 5: 49ers OT Jaylon Moore
The 49ers selected Western Michigan offensive lineman Jaylon Moore as an offensive tackle, yet the preliminary plans are to transition him into an inside player while also retaining some of the flexibility for him to double as a backup tackle.
This isn’t unlike what the Niners envisioned with last year’s day-three NFL Draft pick, offensive lineman Colton McKivitz, who ended up being part of a trio that notably struggled in the wake of so many injuries within San Francisco’s offensive line.
McKivitz, Justin Skule, Tom Compton and Shon Coleman are among the names looking to compete for depth spots this summer. And while Daniel Brunskill is in that group, too, his versatility likely makes him a favorite to stick around as a primary backup at multiple spots.
Moore is a more natural zone-style lineman. And while he’ll struggle with bigger, stronger interior rushers, likely relegating him to backup status early on in his career, Moore’s run-blocking capabilities are good enough to suggest he could be relied upon early in a pinch.
This move in Round 5 was more of an indication Kyle Shanahan wasn’t happy with his O-line depth last season, and Moore will be given every chance to compete.
The hope, though, is he won’t have to start anytime soon.