49ers fringe player No. 3: Offensive guard Spencer Burford
Unlike Deommodore Lenoir and Tarvarius Moore, there’s not exactly a ton of danger for rookie offensive guard Spencer Burford, the Niners’ fourth-round pick from this year’s draft, to being left off the regular-season roster.
However, the questions about San Francisco’s offensive line, especially the interior, could mandate some concern about what the former UTSA lineman’s role would be. Should Burford start off his pro career as a backup, or will he be sufficient enough to start in year one?
As of now, it’s looking like the latter.
Rookie RG Spencer Burford, who continues to work with the starters in team drills, held up quite well in multiple reps against Charles Omenihu and Robert Nkemdiche. Burford seems to have a strong anchor and pretty quick feet. A legit contender to win that job in early going.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) August 2, 2022
Burford has almost exclusively worked with the first-string unit at right guard, as the 49ers have been rotating last year’s starter at this spot, Daniel Brunskill, in at center in an open competition with Jake Brendel.
While that particular competition has been a bit worrisome, Burford seems to be impressing well enough and has yet to do anything to warrant being demoted to the second-team unit.
Perhaps the Niners have identified their most recent day-three draft gem.