2023 NFL Draft: Offensive Line Edition

 The big concern going into last year was the offensive line and they ended up exceeding expectations. This year their starting RT, Mike McGlinchey is no longer on the team. McKivitz is presumed to be in the mix as his replacement, however I fully expect them to identify a natural OT as his main competitor and ultimately Trent Williams' replacement down the road. Let's take a look at guys that will be available beginning in the middle of round 2, since that's a realistic option should the 49ers choose to go that route, and the players I think they might target:

Cody Mauch, OT, ND 6'5 302 lbs., 32 3/8" arms, 9 3/4" hands, 5.08 40/1.79 10 yard/29" Vert/9' Broad/7.33 3 Cone/4.55 SS/29 reps Bench

Mauch is a former TE turned OT as a walk on. Positives: Athletic, ZBS run blocking machine, can play any position across the line, highly aggressive, good hip explosion, team captain, high energy, love and appreciation for the game. Negatives: Short levers, undisciplined feet, susceptible to bull rush, hand placement needs more refinement. Expected to go in the middle of round 2. Gold Helmet candidate. Summation: Think he's more guard than pure OT.

  Blake Freeland, OT, BYU 6'8 302 lbs., 33 7/8" arms, 10" hands, 4.98 40/1.68 10 yard/37" Vert/10' Broad/7.46 3 cone/4.71 SS

Freeland is a 4 year starter. Multi sport athlete. Shot/Javelin/Track state champion. Positives: Principal's honor roll student, excellent feet, ZBS run blocker, good punch and hand placement. Negatives: Technique refinement, instances of waist bending, better strength. Gold Helmet Designation. Summation: Type of player the team will covet at a position of need with the potential to be the future at LT. Projected #70.

Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama 6'6, 321 lbs., 32 3/4" arms, 10 1/2" hands, 29.5" Vert/9'1 Broad/4.59 SS, 31 reps Bench

Steen came to the Crimson Tide by way of Vanderbilt after 33 starts. Used that experience to gain an opportunity to play LT and never looked back. Positives: Strong, athletic with powerful hips to rotate at the top of the apex, ZBS fit. Negatives: Technique inconsistencies, more of a linear mover. Summation: Plenty to work with room for improvement. Projection 3rd round.

Asim Richards, OT, North Carolina 6' 4 309lbs., 34" arms, 10" hands

Richards is a 2 sport athlete and a physical run blocker. He's played DT, OT, TE. Positives: Mean streak, powerful, strong hands. Negatives: Pass pro susceptible against speed, feet need work, lacks explosion. Summation: Looks like an OG to me and should be there at pick #99. 

Wanya Morris, RT, OU 6'6 317 lbs., 35 1/8" arms, 10 1/4" hands, 5.1 40/1.73 10 yard/28.5" Vert/9.3 Broad

5 Star recruit who's never really lived up to his potential until this past year. Positives: NFL traits, nasty disposition, ZBS fit. Negatives: Core/Grip strength, balance in pass pro. Summation: 1st year where he played to his potential is cause for concern but he should be there at pick #99. 

Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland 6'6, 306 lbs., 33 5/8" arms, 9 1/4" hands, 5.1 40/1.78 Ten yard/31.5" Vert/9'5 Broad

Duncan is a 4 year starter with an NFL frame and athletic traits. Positives: Short area explosion, plays with an attitude in the run game, easy mover in space. Negatives: Grip strength, footwork, leverage awareness. Summation: Elite athlete but it's concerning how poorly refined his game is with all the experience at the position. Projection 4th round.

Warren McClendon Jr., OT, Georgia 6'4, 306 lbs., 34 1/2" arms, 10" hands

McClendon is a RT with NFL bloodlines. Positives: Technique, Intelligence, Strong upper body. Negatives: Slow feet, Inconsistent kick slide/labored vs. speed. Summation: You could do a lot worse. Not sure he's a fit. I'd probably roll the dice. Projection late 3rd.

Round 5 prospects:

Alex Palczewski, OT, Illinois, 6'6, 314 lbs., 9 1/4" hands, 33 3/8" arms

Extensive experience and durability with 65 games started, 49 at OT and 16 at OG. Positives: Captain, 713 pass pro attempts, 99% at RT without giving up a sack, no sacks allowed in 2022, high school wrestler. Negatives: Susceptible to quick swim move over him as a run blocker, stunt/twist recognition, hand placement. Summation: His aggression can be a two edged sword but he would represent great value with the potential to be the RT of the future. I wouldn't pass on him if I missed on any of the others.

Joey Fisher Sheppard OT, 6'5, 322 lbs.

3 year starter with starter traits. Mauler in the run game. Positives: Power, temperament, size and length. Negatives: Technique laziness, hand placement, level of competition. Summation: I like this player and he's another great value in round 5. He has the ability to earn starting reps.

Jon Gaines II, OT, UCLA, 6'4, 303 lbs., 33 5/8" arms, 10 1/8" hands, 5.01 40/1.73 10 yard/32.5" Vert/9'.6 Broad/7.31 3 cone/*4.45 SS

Gaines has experience at C/OG/OT and fits a ZBS with his movement skills. Positives: Intelligence, quickness, versatility. Negatives: Sloppy technique, lacks power, hand placement. Summation: He's a system fit but the lack of power gives me pause. He may be worth a flyer but I'd hate it if he tarnished Lynch's 5th round record. 

*Since 2010, just 28 Offensive Linemen recorded a 4.47 short shuttle or better at the NFL Combine. 24 of those were drafted, and all 24 went on to start 84% of their NFL games.

Some nice information by a HOF OL Coach: