49ers select Enrique Cruz Jr, OL, Kansas at no. 179

OnTheClock · 2026-04-25T13:40:59-07:00

Some are saying swing tackle, others are saying IOL conversion. Didn't get a chance to scout him so no opinion yet.

Apr 25, 2026 at 1:46 PM

Chance
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Posts: 5,280

Another RAS monster, although no agility score. I said it before and I'll say it again, draft for potential in later rounds, especially in a poor draft class and hope some of these guys stick with good coaching and mentorship.

Apr 25, 2026 at 1:48 PM

NYniner85
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Posts: 118,806

Lance Zierlein's sleeper OL in this draft. He's a big fan of him. Similar comp to Puni.

More than likely a OG at the next level.

Enrique Cruz Jr. (#77) Kansas

+ Grip strength
+ Movement skills out in space
+ Elite athletic testing for an offensive lineman with a 9.98 relative athletic score that included 4.94 40-yard dash, 35" vertical jump, and a 9'8" broad jump
+ Almost 34" arm length
+ Has extensive… pic.twitter.com/eQG4wYmhz4
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) April 12, 2026

[ Edited by NYniner85 on Apr 25, 2026 at 1:53 PM ]

Apr 25, 2026 at 1:53 PM

LifelongNiner
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Posts: 24,588

Originally posted by NYniner85:
Lance Zierlein's sleeper OT in this draft. He's a big fan of him. Similar comp to Puni.

More than likely a OG at the next level.

Enrique Cruz Jr. (#77) Kansas

+ Grip strength
+ Movement skills out in space
+ Elite athletic testing for an offensive lineman with a 9.98 relative athletic score that included 4.94 40-yard dash, 35" vertical jump, and a 9'8" broad jump
+ Almost 34" arm length
+ Has extensive… pic.twitter.com/eQG4wYmhz4
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) April 12, 2026

I was looking to see if they played together, but nope- one year at Kansas.

Apr 25, 2026 at 1:57 PM

frankieuc68
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Posts: 5,776

Carbon copy of McKivitz in-terms of height/weight and even arm length. Athletic and I think Swing tackle for sure and a starter potential.

[ Edited by frankieuc68 on Apr 25, 2026 at 1:58 PM ]

Apr 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Montana
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Posts: 19,319

Excited about this guy, maybe too excited? Lol he looks great and him being able to learn from Trent one on one? Looking forward to seeing what he does on the team.

Apr 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM

NYniner85
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Posts: 118,806

I'd bet that in watching Zion Young tape, the Niners flagged Enrique Cruz, who was outstanding against the Mizzou pass rusher in that September game.
— Dieter Kurtenbach 🔥 (@dieter) April 25, 2026

Apr 25, 2026 at 2:01 PM

mcwoot
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Posts: 1,941

Solid backup OG

Apr 25, 2026 at 2:24 PM

xcfan
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Posts: 2,988

Sorry, but his lower body technique is undraftable.
Hips are tight from being highly athletic -- if that makes sense.
His base and anchor is not agile and not powerful for his size, kind of like Pregnon. If it's straight ahead power into opponent, it's ok. But, redirect and sustain are a problem for cruz and Pregnon because of those tight athletic hips.

Cruz will absolutely fail outside.
He's an interior prospect only.

Apr 25, 2026 at 2:36 PM

SanDiego49er
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Posts: 52,170

They did the same exact thing for this on ESPN. No highlights, analysis or commentary. Just that we picked him and moved on. LOL. This always happens with our draft picks.

Apr 25, 2026 at 2:40 PM

#10

Giedi
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Posts: 33,902

Originally posted by frankieuc68:
Carbon copy of McKivitz in-terms of height/weight and even arm length. Athletic and I think Swing tackle for sure and a starter potential.

Wow!

Nice. A very poor man's Trent Williams. At least the 49ers injected some potential into the OLine squad. I just hope they don't do another Jarett Kingston and lose him during 53 man cut day to another team.

Apr 25, 2026 at 2:42 PM

#11

northoakland510
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Posts: 2,508

Another guy for seattle to play with

Apr 25, 2026 at 2:52 PM

#12

OnTheClock
Hall of Fame
Posts: 38,438

Originally posted by NYniner85:
[tweet https://x.com/dieter/status/2048132575282213250]

Once I started digging I saw that too. There's something to work with here.

Apr 25, 2026 at 3:04 PM

#13

Montana
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Posts: 19,319

He obviously needs some improvement, his lower body/footwork being one of them that jumped off the tape for me but I still see good potential here. Learning from Trent, especially.

Apr 25, 2026 at 3:21 PM

#14

Heroism
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Posts: 26,177

Originally posted by NYniner85:
Lance Zierlein's sleeper OL in this draft. He's a big fan of him. Similar comp to Puni.

More than likely a OG at the next level.

Enrique Cruz Jr. (#77) Kansas

+ Grip strength
+ Movement skills out in space
+ Elite athletic testing for an offensive lineman with a 9.98 relative athletic score that included 4.94 40-yard dash, 35" vertical jump, and a 9'8" broad jump
+ Almost 34" arm length
+ Has extensive… pic.twitter.com/eQG4wYmhz4
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) April 12, 2026

damn, I'm impressed. He's definitely not a tackle in the NFL, tho. That kick slide isn't pretty lol.

[ Edited by Heroism on Apr 25, 2026 at 3:22 PM ]