Day One of Senior Bowl Practices: Key Takeaways for the San Francisco 49ers

49ers’ Presence at the Senior Bowl The first day of Senior Bowl practices is officially in the books, and unsurprisingly, the San Francisco 49ers’ scouting team was fully engaged in the action. General Manager John Lynch, alongside Directors of Player Personnel Tariq Ahmad and RJ Gillen, closely observed the sessions as they continue preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft. With 10 selections, including the 11th overall pick in the first round, the 49ers have ample opportunities to strengthen their roster.

Finding Long-Overdue Support for George Kittle George Kittle continues to be a dominant force for the 49ers, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2024 after another 1,000-yard season. However, San Francisco’s offense could reach new heights with a reliable second tight end who can contribute both as a blocker and a receiver.

Despite previous attempts to find a worthy TE2, the 49ers might finally have a solution in this year’s draft. Miami’s Elijah Arroyo emerged as a standout performer on the first day of practice, showcasing his athleticism, fluid route-running, and ability to stretch the field. His 16.9 yards per reception and seven touchdowns in his final collegiate season highlight his big-play potential. If Arroyo is out of reach, LSU’s Mason Taylor, son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, also demonstrated impressive hands and a solid all-around skill set, making him another intriguing option.

The Next Dominick Puni? A Versatile Offensive Lineman Shines Last year, the 49ers struck gold with Dominick Puni, a versatile offensive lineman who played multiple positions in college before excelling at right guard as a rookie. This year, North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel is making a strong case for a similar rise.

Zabel dominated one-on-one drills against defensive linemen, showing elite pass protection skills and mobility in the run game. He played left tackle in 2024 but has experience across the offensive line, making him an ideal candidate for a team like the 49ers seeking versatility. With weaknesses at center and left guard, Zabel’s adaptability could make him an ideal top-50 pick.

Other small-school linemen also impressed. Sacramento State’s Jackson Slater displayed athleticism that should attract San Francisco’s attention, while Alabama A&M’s Carson Vinson held his own against top FBS defenders, even stifling a spin move from potential first-round pick Shemar Stewart. Given past criticism of the 49ers’ approach to offensive line depth, these prospects provide compelling options to bolster the trenches.

A Showcase of Pass-Rushing Power John Lynch was front and center during the National Team’s one-on-one drills between offensive and defensive linemen, but the most eye-catching pass-rushing performances came from the American Team.

Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen stood out as the best interior defensive lineman on the field, demonstrating explosive quickness and powerful inside moves. With the 49ers in need of defensive tackle reinforcements, Nolen’s strong showing will undoubtedly have caught their eye.

South Carolina’s T.J. Sanders delivered one of the most memorable moments of the day, overwhelming an offensive lineman with a combination of speed and brute force. Although Sanders is smaller at 290 pounds, his ability to generate interior disruption will be appealing to many teams, including San Francisco.

Meanwhile, Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart reaffirmed his status as an elite pass-rushing prospect. At 281 pounds, Stewart possesses rare explosiveness for his size, making him an enticing target for defensive line coach Kris Kocurek. While concerns remain about his run defense, his raw pass-rushing talent could be too tempting for the 49ers to pass up.

Final Thoughts The first day of Senior Bowl practices provided plenty of insight into the 49ers’ potential draft targets. With tight end depth, offensive line versatility, and defensive line reinforcements all on the radar, San Francisco has a lot to consider as they navigate their selections. If Day One was any indication, the 49ers could be in a prime position to find impact players who can contribute immediately in 2024 and beyond.