With their first selection on Day 3 of the draft, the 49ers took versatile offensive lineman Spencer Burford out of UTSA and with the Zakelj pick, the team adds more size at the position, opting for a bigger tackle with Zakelj's 6'6, 316-pound frame.
Zakelj has one of the most athletic frames of any offensive lineman in the class, posting a 9.74 relative athletic score, while ranking in the 96th percentile in his 10-yard split.
Additionally, Zakelj has good length and his profile indicates that he'll be an excellent scheme fit, as he's able to move well in an outside-zone scheme, making him a 49ers-esque pick.
The potential of Zakelj is certainly there as he possesses a unique combination of size and speed at the offensive line position, as well as the versatility that the 49ers covet at the offensive line position.
Zakelj has guard/tackle flexibility, providing even more depth on the interior, while also potentially serving as a long-term solution at the right tackle position if he develops some more strength.
The draft selection of Zakelj furthers the notion that Daniel Brunskill could be playing center, as it added another versatile piece on the offensive line, which makes it sensible for Brunskill to transition, providing San Francisco with a veteran option at the position they value highly.
The Zakelj pick continues the focus on offense and Trey Lance, as the 49ers have now selected four offensive pieces in LSU running back Tyrion Davis-Price, SMU wide receiver Danny Gray, Burford, and Zakelj, as opposed to two defensive players in USC edge rusher Drake Jackson and Toledo defensive back Samuel Womack.
Written By:
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
Rohan Chakravarthi
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers 2026 schedule: Here's what it looks like based on leaks
The NFL will officially unveil its full 272-game schedule for the 2026 season tonight at 5:00 p.m. PT. However, as is often the case ahead of the announcement, several matchups have already leaked—including what appears to be the San Francisco 49ers' complete 18-week... -
Full 2026 San Francisco 49ers Schedule Revealed
The NFL unveiled its full 272-game schedule for the 2026 regular season. The season kicks off on Wednesday, September 9, with the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks hosting the opener at Lumen Field. The NFL season will conclude with Super Bowl LXI on February 14,... -
49ers predictions: Analyst projects 2026 wins, stats for Purdy, McCaffrey, and more
ESPN analyst Mike Clay recently released his updated projections for the 2026 NFL season, including several key statistical forecasts for the San Francisco 49ers. Clay projects the NFC West to be one of the league's toughest divisions in 2026. He has the 49ers finishing third... -
49ers win-loss record: Writer predicts step back for San Francisco in 2026
The San Francisco 49ers finished the 2025 season with a 12-5 record, placing third in a highly competitive NFC West. However, Moe Moton of Bleacher Report does not expect head coach Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers to match that success in 2026. Following the NFL's release of the...