The 49ers added more depth to their shaky offensive line Monday when they claimed offensive lineman Willie Beavers off waivers. San Francisco waived running back Austin Dayes in a corresponding move.
Beavers originally landed in the NFL as a fourth-round pick of the Vikings in 2016. The 6-5, 324 offensive tackle only played two games for Minnesota. He was waived at the start of the 2017 season, then bounced around to various practice squads before joining the 49ers.
San Francisco doesn’t have much depth at tackle, and Beavers appears to fit the athletic mold the 49ers want from their tackles. Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote about Beavers when the tackle was an NFL draft prospect out of Western Michigan:
Beavers is very athletic with the feet to play left tackle, but has the talent and traits to play all over the offensive line with more technique work. While he clearly has some power and twitch in his hips, he could use a year in an NFL weight room to strengthen his core and upper body. Beavers is an eventual NFL starter who is likely to be targeted by teams who covet tackles who can excel in space.
With Shon Coleman, acquired from the Browns for a seventh-round pick prior to last season, and sixth-round pick Justin Skule the top contenders for the swing tackle spot – it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Beavers make noise in camp.
Dayes joined the 49ers last season as they dealt with a slew of injuries at running back. He signed with the practice squad in early October, and was promoted to the active roster in mid-November. He played in seven games with all his snaps coming on special teams. Dayes had two tackles and returned one kick for 17 yards.
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