2023 NFL Draft: Who could 49ers target at each offensive position?
Offensive Tackle . Cougars . Blake Freeland. 5. player. 861.
49ers target: Blake Freeland, Offensive Tackle, BYU
Draft range: 3rd/4th round
Blake Freeland is a name commonly mocked to the Niners, and it isn’t hard to see why.
Right tackle is a position is in a state of flux with Mike McGlinchey moving to the Denver Broncos, and Colton McKivitz looking to fill those shoes in 2023.
Freeland is a prototypical size, maybe a shade underweight, 6-foot-8 and 305 pounds. Freeland can gain more muscle in an NFL weight program, so that isn’t a big deal. He can play either tackle position and could be a good long-term answer for Trent Williams protecting the blindside.
The BYU standout will be on the Day 2 bubble, but the attention shown to him in the leadup might mean the 49ers have to consider moving up to ensure they nab him. They have the picks to do so if need be, so that’ll be something to monitor.
Freeland is a bit raw, however, so he probably should start as a backup in his NFL career before moving up to starter. It’s a system the Niners have used to good effect in recent years so this won’t concern them too much, but he will need some development with his footwork and blocking technique.