San Francisco Sports Today

San Francisco Sports News Continuously Updated

49ers add OT Nick Zakelj with No. 187 pick

by

“(function() {var sc = document.createElement(“script”), scCnter = document.getElementById(“container-sdp-voltax-player-01eqbvhghtkmz2182d-8604”), done = false;sc.src = mm_video_data.endpointUrl + “/01eqbvhghtkmz2182d.js”;sc.onload = sc.onreadystatechange = function() {if(!done && (!this.readyState || this.readyState == “loaded” || this.readyState == “complete”)) {sdpVoltax[“01eqbvhghtkmz2182d-8604”].initializePlayer( {“id”:”01eqbxacb60r3mr0ac”,”playlist_id”:””,”player_id”:”01eqbvhghtkmz2182d”,”type”:”playlist”,”image”:”https:\/\/ninerswire.usatoday.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/mm-video\/images\/playlist-icon.png”,”container_id”:”01eqbvhghtkmz2182d-8604″});done = true; sc.onload = sc.onreadystatechange = null; }};scCnter.appendChild(sc);})();”var sdpVoltax = window.sdpVoltax || []; sdpVoltax[“01eqbvhghtkmz2182d-8604”] = sdpVoltaxPlayerHandler().start(“01eqbvhghtkmz2182d-8604”);

The 49ers added a late-round offensive tackle with their 187th overall pick where they selected Fordham offensive tackle Nick Zakelj (zah-KELL). San Francisco acquired the 2022 sixth-round selection last year when they dealt LB Jonas Griffith to Denver.

Zakelj brings a ton of experience at left tackle where he was a five-year starter in college. At 6-6, 316 pounds he has the size to stick in the NFL. He’s also a very good athlete and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the 49ers tried moving him inside.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. pointed to pad level as a problem with Zakelj, but that’s something an NFL coaching staff can correct.

Whether he sticks at tackle or moves inside, there’ll be a role for Zakelj if he impresses in camp. If he hits his ceiling there’s a chance he winds up sticking as a long-term option at right tackle if the team isn’t happy with Mike McGlinchey. That’s a ways off from coming into the picture though.

For now he’ll compete for a reserve OL job and has a real shot to make the active roster in Year 1.