Early 53-man roster predictions for 49ers after 2023 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
49ers post-NFL Draft 53-man roster predictions: Offensive line (8)
In: Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, Spencer Burford, Trent Williams, Jon Feliciano, Colton McKivitz, Jason Poe, Nick Zakelj
Out: Alfredo Gutierrez, Keith Ismael, Matt Pryor, Jaylon Moore, Leroy Watson, Joey Fisher*, Corey Luciano*, Ilm Manning*
The 49ers have had success developing reserve offensive linemen and turning them into starters, as was the case last year with returning players like Aaron Banks and Jake Brendel, who'll resume their starting jobs at left guard and center, respectivevly, in 2023.
After losing Mike McGlinchey to the Denver Broncos in free agency, it appears as if another former backup, Colton McKivitz, will be given the shot to start at right tackle moving forward. He'll be challenged by another low-cost free-agent pickup, Matt Pryor, but the job seems to be McKivitz's to lose.
Pryor and Jon Feliciano could potentially fill a role left open by now-Tennessee Titans lineman Daniel Brunskill.
Interestingly enough, the Niners didn't draft an offensive lineman in 2023. They did ink some undrafted free agents, though, and the hope is this year's class follows a path taken by a 2022 UDFA in Jason Poe, who works his way onto the 53-man roster this season after spending his rookie year on the practice squad.