What each 49ers 2021 draftee must do to make 2022 roster
By Peter Panacy
Round 5: 49ers OL Jaylon Moore — beat out the 2022 rookies
Similar to Aaron Banks, the Niners’ fifth-round selection from 2021, offensive lineman Jaylon Moore, merely has to ensure the crop of first-year linemen don’t completely push him off the roster.
Unlike Banks, though, it’s not looking good for Moore to be named a starter in year two.
Moore does have a bit of a bonus here, though, as he can double as a swing tackle and a guard, providing backup prowess for a San Francisco O-line that enters 2022 with plenty of questions after Laken Tomlinson’s departure and Pro Bowl center Alex Mack’s shocking retirement.
Keeping rookies like Spencer Burford and Nick Zakelj at bay will help, but those two aren’t the only competitors looking to upend Moore’s spot. The former Western Michigan tackle also has to contend with returning veterans like Justin Skule and Colton McKivitz, too, and they’ll both be vying for a key backup spot on the 53-man roster.
The 49ers adding two linemen on day three of this year’s NFL Draft suggests they’re not quite satisfied with the depth here, meaning the pressure will be on Moore to ensure he doesn’t wind up losing favor to either one of those two first-year pros.