Carter Bykowski to 49ers: How Does the OT Fit with San Francisco?

On Day 3 of the NFL draft, the San Francisco 49ers finally decided to address the offensive line. It was not until the last round that they decided to add depth there, but better late than never.

With the first of two compensatory seventh-rounders, the 49ers drafted Iowa State tackle Carter Bykowski.

During the pre-draft process, NFL analyst Gil Brandt suggested that with his size, Bykowski might be selected as high as the fourth round (h/t CBS Sports).

Let’s explore how Bykowski might fit in with his new team.

How Does Bykowski Fit In?

Checking in at 6’7”, 306 pounds, Bykowski is a behemoth of an offensive lineman. He is also a similar body type to San Francisco’s new starting RG, Alex Boone. With Boone replacing departed Adam Snyder in the starting lineup, the 49ers lost tackle depth.

The 49ers have several backup offensive linemen, most notably Daniel Kilgore and Joe Looney. However, both of these players project as interior linemen and are not as well suited as edge protectors.

Bykowski was brought in to compete at tackle and hopefully prove worthy of the final 53-man roster.

 

His Role in 2013

This is a big, athletic prospect who is coming in to compete for a backup job at left and/or right tackle.

Joe Staley and Anthony Davis are entrenched as starters, but worst-case scenario, the 49ers require a capable fill-in. Bykowski is NFL-ready, but he is a long way from being ready for starter-level competition.

But in San Francisco, he will have a great opportunity to learn behind one of the best collective offensive line units in the game. Staley and Davis are Pro Bowl-caliber tacklers who have learned to harness their raw ability in this regime.

And like Staley before him, Bykowski is a converted tight end. At the Iowa State pro day, the 49ers new tackle ran a 5.31 40-yard dash.

Bykowski has the size, strength and mobility the 49ers like to see in their offensive linemen. With time and coaching, this young man can become a household name in the Bay Area. 

Dylan DeSimone is the San Francisco 49ers' lead columnist for Bleacher Report. A former NFL journalist and fantasy football writer for SB Nation, Niners Nation and SB Nation Bay Area, Dylan now writes for B/R.

 To talk football with Dylan, follow him on Twitter @DeSimone80.