After a busy Day 2 of the NFL Draft in which the 49ers selected three players, the 49ers began their last day of the draft with the selection of Spencer Burford out of UTSA at pick No. 134.
On Friday, after not having a first-round pick due to last year's trade-up for quarterback Trey Lance, the 49ers added to their edge depth with USC's Drake Jackson, and found offensive talent with LSU running back Tyrion Davis-Price and SMU wide receiver Danny Gray.
Now, with a necessity for offensive line depth, the team selected versatile offensive lineman Spencer Burford, who has experience at both tackle and guard positions.
Burford, who stands at 6'4, 304-pounds, has the size of a guard, but the wingspan of a tackle, and provides the 49ers with depth at a multitude of positions.
Burford's strengths come as a run-blocker, making him a good scheme-fit, where his light feet and agility are showcased when he moves on tape, but is a work-in-progress in pass protection.
Currently, with the expected retirement of veteran center Alex Mack, the offensive line projects as: Trent Williams (left tackle), Aaron Banks (left guard), Daniel Brunskill (center), Jaylon Moore (right guard), and Mike McGlinchey (right tackle).
Burford slides in alongside swing tackles Justin Skule and Colton McKivitz as versatile offensive line depth, and could even eclipse one of the incumbent backups on the depth chart by the end of training camp.
With Burford, the potential is certainly there, making the selection an intriguing one not only for 2022, but primarily for the future.
While the 49ers still elected against drafting a center or safety, they address the offensive line with the selection of Burford, which was a priority entering the draft.
- Rohan Chakravarthi
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Written by:Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
