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Biggest winners, losers from 49ers’ moves in 2023 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Colton McKivitz, San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Colton McKivitz (68) Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: 49ers OL Colton McKivitz

There was some speculation the 49ers would draft a quarterback. There were enormous amounts of speculation pointing to the Niners taking an offensive tackle, especially in the wake of Mike McGlinchey departing to the Denver Broncos via free agency.

Nothing like that happened, though.

Sure, San Francisco grabbed some undrafted free-agent linemen after the draft, but those players figure to be little more than training camp bodies.

All of this bodes well for reserve lineman Colton McKivitz, who emerged as a potential favorite to start at right tackle in the wake of McGlinchey’s departure. Sure, he’ll have to compete with the likes of Matt Pryor, a veteran free-agent addition.

But, from the early vantage point, it would seem as if McKivitz is the favorite to land the starting job.

Had the 49ers grabbed a tackle with one of their earlier picks, that wouldn’t have been quite the case.

Not doing so is an endorsement of McKivitz.