With The First Pick
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5 Ideal Prospects for San Francisco 49ers in 2020 NFL Draft

By Nicholas McGee

DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 12: CeeDee Lamb #2 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs for a touchdown against B.J. Foster #25 of the Texas Longhorns in the third quarter during the 2019 AT&T Red River Showdown at Cotton Bowl on October 12, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 12: CeeDee Lamb #2 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs for a touchdown against B.J. Foster #25 of the Texas Longhorns in the third quarter during the 2019 AT&T Red River Showdown at Cotton Bowl on October 12, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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IOWA CITY, IOWA – SEPTEMBER 07: Offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs #74 of the Iowa Hawkeyes before the match-up against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on September 7, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA – SEPTEMBER 07: Offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs #74 of the Iowa Hawkeyes before the match-up against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on September 7, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

Iowa. Tristan Wirfs. 74. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. OT. 878

The prospect of Wirfs spilling into San Francisco’s grasp may be a pipe dream, but it would set the Niners up perfectly for the present and the future on the offensive line.

San Francisco will eventually need to find a replacement for long-time left tackle Joe Staley and Wirfs, with his strength, lateral quickness and athleticism, fits the bill perfectly.

He frequently flipped between left and right tackle and has the versatility to operate at guard as well as tackle.

That would allow him to start right away in 2020 while Staley finishes up a storied career.

Switching positions on the offensive line is one of the most difficult challenges in the NFL, but Wirfs has already been successful in doing so in college and his athletic traits make him a natural fit for the 49ers’ zone-blocking scheme, which depends on mobile offensive linemen.

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Two years after they selected Mike McGlinchey in the first round, Wirfs’ arrival may not go down well with some sections of the Niners fanbase. Yet Wirfs could have a significant short-term and long-term impact for San Francisco. Given the success the 49ers have had in drafting Iowa players in recent times, it would be no surprise to see them go back to that well if he is somehow still on the board at 13.