San Francisco 49ers: Grading the 2019 NFL Draft class
By Justin Fried
Round 6 (183rd Overall) — Justin Skule, OT, Vanderbilt
With the second of their three sixth-round draft choices, the 49ers opted to select offensive tackle Justin Skule to compete for a backup tackle spot.
The Vanderbilt product started 40 consecutive games during his time with the Commodores originally starting at right tackle before being moved over to the left side. At 6-foot-7, Skule is quite large but doesn’t have the athletic or technical ability to project him as a future starter at the position.
Still, Skule will likely compete for the primary swing tackle job with former Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Shon Coleman. Expect the 49ers to try and stash him on their practice squad if he fails to make the initial 53-man roster.
A harmless pick of a player who could offer decent depth in the near and distant future.
Final Grade: B-
Round 6 (198th Overall) — Tim Harris, CB, Virginia
The 49ers finally decided to address their secondary — albeit with their final pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. That said, the selection of Virginia cornerback Tim Harris makes a ton of sense at this stage in the draft.
Harris is a prototypical high-ceiling, low-floor player. He possesses a rare blend of size, speed, and athleticism to go along with plus ball skills. Harris has a high ceiling as a prospect with the potential to become a valuable NFL starter but he must overcome a litany of injuries that have plagued his career to this point.
The Virginia product suffered season-ending injuries in both 2015 and 2016 playing just three games over that timespan. The upside is there, but it’s fair to wonder if injuries have permanently stalled his career or not.
San Francisco 49ers: Instant grade and analysis of Nick Bosa. dark. Next
Regardless, these are the type of gambles you take in the sixth round.