With the Spencer Burford pick, the 49ers could start Daniel Brunskill at center

The San Francisco 49ers finally addressed the offensive line in the draft on Day 3, selecting UTSA guard/tackle Spencer Burford with their fourth-round selection at pick No. 134.

With multiple options available on Day 2, the 49ers passed on the position altogether, ultimately selecting USC edge rusher Drake Jackson, LSU running back Tyrion Davis-Price, and SMU wide receiver Danny Gray with their three selections in the second and third rounds of the draft.

Burford provides versatile depth at the offensive line position, having played at both tackle and guard spots, which the 49ers have valued with guys like Justin Skule, Daniel Brunskill, and last year's fifth-round pick Jaylon Moore.

What does this mean for the 49ers in 2022?

Well, given the lack of attention towards the center position in the draft, the 49ers probably feel content with the players they have in-house, barring an unexpected chase for free-agent center J.C. Tretter.

The addition of Burford could slide Brunskill to the center position in a starting role for 2022, which John Lynch indirectly alluded to last week when mentioning Brunskill's ability to play the position alongside backup center Jake Brendel.

If Brunskill moves to center, where he started eight games in 2020, the projected offensive line would be Trent Williams, Aaron Banks, Brunskill, Jaylon Moore, and Mike McGlinchey from left to right.

The 49ers could still address center in the later rounds of the draft, as they're still in need of a long-term solution at the position, but for now, the Burford selection could indicate that the team views Brunskill as a starting-caliber option at center in 2022.

• Rohan Chakravarthi
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  Rohan Chakravarthi
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