Ilm Manning brings experience, needs technique to stick with 49ers

Ilm Manning was the starting left tackle at Hawaii, but that doesn't stop the projected guard from needing to improve his technique to stay on the 49ers roster.

Welcome to another article of The Undrafted Corner, as we take a look at the San Francisco 49ers' undrafted free-agent class from 2023 that will all be competing to be the newest underdog to make an impact on the roster.

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As we keep looking at the offensive line acquisitions, we now take a look at former Hawaii left tackle Ilm Manning, who brings a lot of collegiate experience with him but also needs to fix some technique issues if he wants to see the field in the NFL.

Manning was a bit of a surprise to be picked up by the Niners, as he's not a zone blocker like head coach Kyle Shanahan's offensive scheme is predicated upon. Manning also needs to develop and use leverage a lot better, as he can be knocked off balance because he doesn't have himself set exactly right to battle edge rushers who will become interior rushers at the NFL level as he's been moved to the interior.

Weaknesses aside, Manning does have some strengths that he can use as a base to find a place at the pro level. His long collegiate experience at left tackle has allowed him to be a strong pass blocker, and he had good strength despite being slightly undersized for a guard at 6-foot-2 and 294 pounds.

While not the finished product, Manning has the strength, hand discipline and agility to at least become a part of the depth chart when he develops.

He probably needs longer than one offseason, however, so the plan for the 49ers will probably be to see if he's worth stashing on the practice squad to develop further for 2024 and beyond.