Zakelj is a good scheme fit, having tested well at the combine, and being a player that fits well in the outside-zone offense that the 49ers like to run, as he has the ability to move in space.
Speaking with the media following his selection, Zakelj discussed his meetings with the 49ers prior to the draft, specifically regarding the scheme fit.
"I haven't had a lot of specific talk like that. I think [I was] just kind of going through their general scheme, outside zone. I think that while I did play tackle in college, and that's obviously where I'm most comfortable at, I think kind of getting those reps at the Senior Bowl [at] guard, and kind of being able to broaden my horizons, I think just having that flexibility of being able to play guard or tackle is something that I think showed value throughout the whole process," Zakelj said.
While Zakelj has the experience of playing tackle at the collegiate level, he believes that he's best suited to play guard at the NFL level.
"I definitely see myself being more of a guard at the next level."
Regardless, Zakelj possesses the versatility that the 49ers prefer at the offensive line position, making him an intriguing selection, especially with the high upside that he has due to his athleticism.
Written By:
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
@RohanChakrav
YouTube Channel
Rohan Chakravarthi
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
PFF head coach carousel 'best fits' offers potential good news for 49ers
Pro Football Focus contributor Dalton Wasserman recently analyzed the current head coaching vacancies around the NFL, identifying the best candidates for each job. While former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is reportedly interviewing for roles with teams like the... -
Report: 49ers aim to make Robert Saleh NFL's highest-paid DC; Nick Sorensen the front-runner for ST job
The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly eager to reunite with former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh. Speaking on The 49ers +/- Podcast with Tim Kawakami, insider Matt Barrows shared insight into the team's approach to their coordinator vacancies, highlighting how much the... -
49ers mailbag: Will Brock Purdy take a team-friendly deal? Who else will SF fire? What will the 49ers do with the number 11 pick?
It's January, and the San Francisco 49ers are at home watching the postseason. It's not what the team or the fans wanted, but there is hope that it could be the best thing for the players, giving them the time to rest, recover, and reset. For all we know, this time next year,... -
Over The Cap names 6 candidates as potential 49ers cap casualties
Salary cap resource OverTheCap.com recently published a list of 100 NFL players who might become cap casualties, with their teams potentially parting ways with them to free up salary space. The feature had the following six San Francisco 49ers players listed: DT Maliek...