The focus last week was on the first few picks the San Francisco 49ers made in the NFL Draft. Most of the discussion centered around those picks was about whether they would’ve been available the next time the Niners were on the clock. The analysis about the players themselves was few and far between.
Let’s talk about the draft class today—specifically, the Day 3 picks. We’re asking which selection on the third day of the draft will have the biggest role for the 49ers in this upcoming season. These are your options:
OL Carver Willis
OL Enrique Cruz
DT Gracen Halton
LB Jaden Dugger
CB Ephesians Prysock
From a playing time perspective, Halton has the cleanest path to the most snaps. The 49ers don’t have an interior threat on the roster with a history of being a threat to get after the quarterback at the NFL level outside of Osa Odighizuwa.
The 49ers are hopeful Mykel Williams can develop into a terror on the inside. The other options Halton will battle for snaps are the rookie defensive tackles from last year, Alfred Collins and C.J. West, who were plus run defenders. Keion White can rush inside as well, but now we’re getting into the depth along the defensive line.
The most extensive action Carter Willis took along the interior this past season was during the All-Star Circuit. At the Senor Bowl, he played 37 snaps at left guard, 17 at right guard, and two at center. Willis played a grand total of two snaps at left guard during the regular season.
In their defense, Dominick Puni transitioned from left tackle to right guard and didn’t miss a beat. He never looked back after taking over in training camp as a rookie. But situations like that are outliers. The 49ers would be thrilled if Willis ended up as a starter in 2027. That feels more realistic after getting used to what he can and can’t get away with at a new position.
If Cruz plays as a rookie, something likely went wrong on the injury front at tackle. But Dugger and Prysock could plausibly carve out roles on special teams. We shouldn’t rule out the third phase of a game. The 49ers needed to get faster with bigger, longer bodies. That’s where those two come into play.
My answer is Halton. If that’s too obvious, I’ll go Prysock as a special teamer. What say you?
About the Author: Insidethe49
