Why the 49ers Might Draft Washington OT Roger Rosengarten

If the 49ers are looking for the next Joe Staley -- and who wouldn't want the next Joe Staley? -- don't be surprised if they take Rosengarten at the end of Round 1.

It's no secret the 49ers need an offensive tackle. Colton McKivitz gave up 13 sacks last season and Trent Williams will turn 36 in July. This position is thin.

Last year, the 49ers drafted zero offensive lineman, so you can bet they'll take at least one this year. And when it's time to draft an offensive tackle in particular, don't be surprised when they take Roger Rosengarten from Washington.

Rosengarten is a good fit for the 49ers. He has tons of experience with zone blocking. His high school coach was Ed McCaffrey, who installed the Shanahan offensive system. And he's currently working out with former 49ers offensive tackle Joe Staley, who played for Kyle Shanahan.

"Joe Staley is the best of the best when it comes to offensive line play in my opinion," Rosengarten told The Draft Network. "He’s done an amazing job developing us throughout this process. He played through two different eras of football. There’s really nothing he can’t cover. He played from like 2007 to 2019. He’s played in different schemes. His familiarity with football is outstanding. He’s done a great job with me in the pass game and run game. I’ve picked up all sorts of tips and tricks from him along the way."

As a prospect, Rosengarten is extremely similar to Staley when he entered the draft. Here's their athletic testing numbers.

Rosengarten: 6'5" 3/8, 308 lbs., 4.92 40-yard dash, 20 bench press resps.

Staley: 6'5" 7/8, 306 lbs., 4.79 40-yard dash, 27 bench press reps.

If the 49ers are looking for the next Joe Staley -- and who wouldn't want the next Joe Staley? -- don't be surprised if they take Rosengarten at the end of Round 1.