San Francisco 49ers: 5 potential Joe Staley successors in 2020 NFL Draft

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IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 23: Offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs #74 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates with teammates after their match-up against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on November 23, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

Tristan Wirfs – Iowa

The quickness with which quarterbacks get the ball out of their hands in the modern NFL has predicated a greater emphasis on pass rushers blessed with great speed. As a result, offensive linemen like Wifrs who have proven capable of holding up against such players are extremely valuable.

San Francisco has had great success tapping the Iowa well in recent times and can afford to have confidence in the ability of Kirk Ferentz and his staff in furthering Wirfs’ development in the 2019 season. If Wirfs can continue to have success moving defenders off the ball and holding up nicely in pass protection, the Niners could be tempted to add yet another Hawkeye to their roster.