49ers select OL Spencer Burford in round 4

With the 134th pick in the NFL Draft, the 49ers selected offensive lineman Spencer Burford from UT-San Antonio.

San Francisco looks for versatility in their linemen, especially those taken in the middle to late rounds. That is precisely what they get in Burford, a long-armed prospect who many draft analysts project as a guard despite his ample playing time at tackle for the Roadrunners.

Kyle Shanahan’s running offenses focus on the outside zone. That style fits Burford’s play as it was a staple of the UTSA offense.

In the run game, Burford moves well, showing explosiveness into defenders when pulling along with the ability to climb to the second level.

While Burford will need to improve his footwork in pass protection, his long arms often allow him to strike pass rushers first. Turn on Burford’s film, and you see an offensive lineman with a nasty streak reminiscent of current 49ers left tackle Trent Williams.

With San Francisco’s center and both guard positions seemingly up for grabs, Jaylon Moore will likely move into the right guard spot with Daniel Brunskill sliding over to center and Aaron Banks replacing Laken Tomlinson at left guard. Burford’s versatility will allow the 49ers to use him as their swing guard or tackle for this season.

With Mike McGlinchey not signed beyond 2022 and Trent Williams having a $10 million option bonus next year, which would lock in the remainder of his contract, the pick of Burford sets the 49ers up for both the present and the future.