From elite athletic tackles to mobile interior linemen built for modern zone schemes, here are the biggest risers and fallers from offensive line workouts.
Offensive Tackles
Risers 📈
Spencer Fano — Utah
Fano delivered one of the most impressive athletic performances among tackles, running a 4.91-second 40-yard dash with strong explosiveness numbers, including a 32-inch vertical and 9'3" broad jump. His movement skills stood out during positional drills, showing fluid lateral mobility and comfort operating in space.
Strengths: Elite athleticism, smooth pass sets, and ideal for zone-blocking schemes.
Weaknesses: Developing anchor strength against power rushers and potential arm-length concerns.
For a Shanahan-style offense that prioritizes movement, Fano's stock clearly rose.
Monroe Freeling — Georgia
Freeling may have helped himself as much as any tackle in Indianapolis. At roughly 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds, he posted explosive testing numbers, including a 4.93 forty and a 33.5-inch vertical, confirming high-end athletic upside.
Strengths: Prototype size, balance in pass protection, and explosive lower body.
Weaknesses: Hand placement consistency and pad level refinement.
Freeling's profile now places him firmly in early-round conversations as a potential long-term blindside protector.
Max Iheanachor — Arizona State
Iheanachor turned heads with rare movement skills for his size, running a 4.91 forty while flashing power during drills. His testing validated the athletic upside scouts saw on tape.
Strengths: Size-speed combination and strong run-blocking flashes.
Weaknesses: Raw technique and inconsistent leverage.
He remains a developmental prospect but now carries significantly higher upside as he enters the draft process.
Faller 📉
Blake Miller — Clemson
Miller's performance wasn't poor — it simply wasn't special. His 5.04 forty and average explosiveness numbers failed to separate him in a deep tackle class loaded with elite athletes.
Strengths: Experience and solid technical base.
Weaknesses: Limited athletic ceiling compared to peers.
In a class defined by movement traits, average testing worked against him.
Guards
Risers 📈
Gennings Dunker — Iowa
Dunker impressed evaluators with physicality and power throughout drills. While not the most athletic lineman, his strength profile projects well to guard at the next level.
Strengths: Heavy hands, physical run blocking, and interior toughness.
Weaknesses: Limited lateral quickness.
Keylan Rutledge — Georgia Tech
Rutledge quietly climbed draft boards thanks to strong athletic testing and balanced movement skills.
Strengths: Effective pull blocker, leverage, and physicality.
Weaknesses: Pass-protection consistency against quicker defenders.
Olaivavega Ioane — Penn State
Ioane stood out during positional work with controlled movement and play strength, reinforcing his reputation as one of the better interior prospects.
Strengths: Power, balance, and interior control.
Weaknesses: Limited verified testing numbers compared to peers.
Faller 📉
Brian Parker II — Duke
Despite solid measurables, Parker's testing lacked standout traits. In a competitive interior group, failing to flash elite movement hurts his momentum.
Centers
Risers 📈
Sam Hecht — Kansas State
Hecht displayed strong agility, posting a 5.10 forty with smooth movement during drills. His intelligence and leverage stood out throughout workouts.
Strengths: Quick feet, football IQ, and scheme versatility.
Weaknesses: Shorter arm length and modest explosiveness numbers.
Logan Jones — Iowa
Jones delivered one of the surprises of the day, running a 4.90 forty, the fastest among offensive linemen.
Strengths: Exceptional mobility and reach-blocking ability.
Weaknesses: Anchor strength versus power interior defenders.
Parker Brailsford — Alabama
Brailsford showcased elite quickness and footwork, reinforcing his projection as a modern athletic center.
Strengths: Agility, explosive movement skills, and high processing speed.
Weaknesses: Smaller frame raises strength concerns at the NFL level.
Faller 📉
Jake Slaughter — Florida
Slaughter entered the combine with momentum but failed to distinguish himself athletically compared to other centers.
Concerns: Average testing results in an increasingly athletic position group.
49ers Takeaway
Day 4 reinforced a growing trend across the league: offensive linemen must move. Athleticism, lateral quickness, and scheme versatility dominated evaluations — traits that align directly with Kyle Shanahan's outside-zone offense.
Prospects like Fano, Freeling, Jones, and Brailsford appear especially compatible with San Francisco's system, while interior risers added valuable depth options in a class that could reshape offensive lines across the NFL.
As the draft approaches, the combine may have clarified one thing for the 49ers: upgrading the trenches remains a priority — and this class offers multiple athletic solutions.
Written By:
Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
All articles by Wayne "Breezie" Brown
Wayne "Breezie" Brown
Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
All articles by Wayne "Breezie" Brown