49ers score massively good grades from 2022 NFL Draft selections

49ers Pick No. 134: Tackle/Guard Spencer Burford, UTSA

Remember when I said Danny Gray was on my list of potential sleeper picks? Spencer Burford was on that list, too, meaning I once again am obligated to like this pick.

Burford to me was a very underrated prospect who can play any position on the offensive line other than center. He’s not someone who wow you with strength and speed, but his technique and instincts are well-honed, and he possesses underrated lateral movement.

It remains to be seen what the best position is for Burford going forward, but he fits the 49ers’ mentality of picking offensive linemen who can play multiple positions.

At 6-foot-4 and 304 pounds, Burford might be a bit too undersized to be a left tackle in the NFL, so guard might be the best fit for him. Aaron Banks will be the frontrunner to take that role, but if center Alex Mack does retire, that might necessitate Daniel Brunskill shifting over to center, which would open another spot at guard.

A lot also depends on Burford’s strength. He’s not what you would call a mauler, but he might be able to build some more power in an NFL conditioning program. If Burford gets his strength where it needs to be to match his impressive athleticism, the Niners may potentially get away with him being an undersized left tackle.

Where Burford plays on the O-line remains a mystery, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he competes early to start on the interior and perhaps develops into left tackle Trent Williams’ understudy.

Grade: A