49ers roster: These 4 NFL Draft picks are already in danger of being cut
By Peter Panacy
49ers rookie No. 1: Offensive lineman Nick Zakelj
Cornerback was one problem on the roster, and the 49ers addressed it. The offensive line is another problem, and the Niners hope to have addressed that, too.
Spending two draft picks on offensive linemen, grabbing UTSA’s Spencer Burford in Round 4 and Fordham’s Nick Zakelj in Round 6, both players’ immediate hope is to secure a depth spot behind what’s already coming together to be the likely starting cast despite offseason losses of Pro Bowlers Laken Tomlinson and Alex Mack to free agency and retirement, respectively.
From left to right, Trent Williams, Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, Daniel Brunskill and Mike McGlinchey are the penciled-in starters, while both Burford and Zakelj are to compete for one of possibly four backup spots.
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It won’t be easy for both to make it, especially going up against returning veterans like Justin Skule, Colton McKivitz and Jaylon Moore, among others.
In all likelihood, San Francisco is much more invested and interested in Burford’s development than that of Zakelj, the latter coming from a small-school program and also being tasked with transitioning from tackle to guard at the pro level.
While Zakelj does offer some possible upside and could nevertheless impress during training camp, the 49ers’ win-now desires may not allow for him to fall behind in the competition.
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