49ers kick off final day of 2023 NFL Draft with 2 stud picks

No. 173: DE Robert Beal Jr.

With the 173rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected defensive end Robert Beal Jr. from the National Champion Georgia Bulldogs.

With the selection of Beal Jr., the team adds another explosive edge rusher who will pair well with reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Nick Bosa.

Beal Jr. ran a 4.48 40-yard dash so he will add great speed to the pass rush of an already great defensive line of the 49ers.

With the departure of edge rusher Samson Ebukam to the Indianapolis Colts in free agency earlier this year, Beal Jr. might actually have an opportunity to get into the starting lineup.

Beal Jr. wrapped up his college career with a National Championship, having played in 37 games (including bowl games) and totaled 10 sacks during his time as a Bulldog.

He will look to make an immediate impact on a defensive line for the 49ers that is well-coached and gets a lot of guys into their great rotation.

The fifth-round selections have brought great success to the 49ers during the Kyle Shanahan/ John Lynch regime. They have found All-Pro talent with Kittle and safety Talanoa Hufanga.

They have also found quality starters with Lenoir and linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Hopefully, that success continues with this new group of fifth-rounders.