49ers get O-line help, draft Spencer Burford at 134 overall

The 49ers use their fourth-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft to pick offensive lineman Spencer Burford of UTSA to be part of the team.

With the 134th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected offensive lineman Spencer Burford from UTSA.

Burford comes in at 6-foot-4 at 304 pounds with only being 22 years old. He has played 43 games during his college tenure while playing different snaps at all positions on the offensive line except center.

In all likelihood, he projects to be an above-average backup at tackle but could feasibly move inside to guard, too. Burford was a first-team All-Conference USA selection and a former three-star offensive tackle recruit coming out of high school.

Burford did participate in this year’s Senior Bowl.

49ers finally reinforce O-line with Spencer Burford

This pick seems to be insurance in case left tackle Trent Williams, right guard Daniel Brunskill, right tackle Mike McGlinchey, or left guard Aaron Banks go down with an injury during the season, so the UTSA rookie will be able to plug in at those positions.

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Burford is great in zone-run offenses but does have difficulties in pass protection. He will eventually need to add more weight and strength this offseason if he’s able to compete with the other lineman such as Justin Skule, Colton McKivitz and Jaylon Moore, but Burford was projected to go in the fourth round so this seems like a good pick.

The 49ers have finally addressed the O-line but will still need someone at the center position in light of veteran Pro Bowler Alex Mack still mulling retirement since that’s not Burford’s expertise.

Unless the Niners want to experiment with Burford there and see how he does at that spot as he continues his development.