49ers Draft Capsule: Interior Offensive Line

Choices here can indicate if the Niners are pivoting to power with a focus on playoff matchups or remaining with their recent history of lighter linemen with speed.

Capsule update at offensive tackle: 49ers right tackle target Wanya Morris of Oklahoma had his Pro Day on April 11. He was injured at the Combine and had to delay his open workout. Six teams attended, the 49ers were not one of them. By draft order in the 3rd round: LA Rams (No. 77), Green Bay (No. 78), Indianapolis (No. 79), Baltimore (Mo. 86), Carolina (No. 93) and Las Vegas (No. 100). Using this as an indicator, Morris won’t last to the 49ers pick at No. 99.

Today’s capsule looks at centers and guards in the upcoming draft. Choices here can indicate if the Niners are pivoting to power with a focus on playoff matchups or remaining with their recent history of lighter linemen with speed.

Depth is covered so a move here is for a player the Niners believe has a chance to start by 2024.

Tier 1: Day 1 Starters
Late 1st-Early 2nd O’Cyrus Torrence (Florida) 6-5/331
Late 1st-Early 2nd John Michael Schmitz (Minnesota) 6-4/301
Early-Mid 2nd Joe Tippmann (Wisconsin) 6-6/313
Early-Mid 2nd Steve Avila (TCU) 6-4/332
Late 2nd-Early 3rd Cody Mauch (North Dakota St) 6-5/302
Mid 3rd Luke Wypler (Ohio St) 6-3/303

This group is out of reach and a trade up for an interior lineman seems unlikely when other positions have more urgency.

Tier 2: Compete to start by 2024

Early Day 3 Ricky Stromberg (Arkansas) 6-3/306 – He tested well at the Combine, recording the 2nd fastest shuttle time at 4.47. Stromberg allowed no sacks and 11 pressures but had five penalties. He plays with violence and pop but can be a waist bender with leverage and lunging issues.

Early Day 3 Olu Oluwatimi (Michigan) 6-3/309 – The Outland Trophy winner is known for his core strength. No sacks against, nine pressures. He can get to the 2nd level efficiently, but his lack of speed could be a concern in the NFL. 5.38 40, 1.86 10, 4.68 shuttle, and he has the smallest hands in the class.

Early Day 3 Andrew Vorhees (USC) 6-6/310 – He tore his ACL at the Combine and then lifted 38 bench reps on one good leg, the highest at Indy. Quick to the second level, but he has leverage issues due to his height. Vorhees was projected as a late third rounder, if he falls due to injury, he’s a great value.

Tier 3: Depth players with potential to start eventually

4th Round Emil Ekiyor Jr. (Alabama) 6-3/314 – Long wingspan. No sacks against, but he overextends and can be beat by twitchy speed rushers, given up 25 pressures in two years. Needs to add power, 23 bench reps at the Combine.

4th Round Chandler Zavala (NC State) 6-3/322 – Zavala offers power/speed versatility with 30 bench reps and a 4.52 shuttle time. Not as developed in pass pro, has trouble laterally and mirroring.

Late 4th-Early 5th Asim Richards (North Carolina) 6-4/309 – Quick off the line but he doesn’t have NFL-ready strength just 13 bench reps at Indy. Viewed as a guard or tackle, but the talk is he moves inside.

5th Round Nick Saldiveri (Old Dominion) 6-6/318 – Known for his intelligent reads, Saldiveri would have a place in a Kyle Shanahan scheme. Versatility for guard or tackle, but his athleticism and power are good not great.

5th Round Juice Scruggs (Penn State) 6-3/301 – Jack of all trades master of none type. Powerful, had 29 bench reps.

Tier 4 - Sleepers

Richard Gouraige (Florida) 6-5/306 – Quick get off and violent, his attacking style depends on getting there first, but he ran a 5.38. When he’s late he sacrifices balance and gets beat. 4th-5th.

Jon Gaines (UCLA) 6-4/303 – Exceptionally intelligent with good speed 5.01 40, 4.45 shuttle was fastest in the class at Indy. Lacks NFL-ready strength, only had 19 bench reps. He’d redshirt but he fits. 5th.

Antoni Mafi (UCLA) 6-2/329 – Lost 70 pounds to become a first-year starter so his weight needs to be monitored. Gave up three sacks and 18 pressures. Plays with strength and moves well, higher ceiling with his lack of experience. The Niners have met with him, he’s expected to go in the 5th or 6th round.

Alex Forsyth (Oregon) 6-4/294 – The kind of player that gets overlooked due to traits and measurables but can play a long time in the league. Quick feet, technically clean, smart zone lineman. 6th or 7th.

Predictions

All the Pac-12 guys are worth a second look. Vorhees is a steal if he drops. Both UCLA linemen are good fits, Forsyth is a late steal is he lasts to the 7th. At interior offensive line there’s no need to make a pick earlier than the 5th.