The San Francisco 49ers have conducted a pre-draft interview with BYU offensive tackle Caleb Etienne, signaling potential interest in the massive lineman ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. This move could be significant for the 49ers as they look to reinforce their offensive line, particularly at tackle, with veteran left tackle Trent Williams turning 37 and depth concerns at right tackle.
Who is Caleb Etienne?
Caleb Etienne is a towering offensive tackle, standing at 6-foot-7 and 329 pounds. He has significant college football experience, having played 38 games at the collegiate level. Etienne began his career at Oklahoma State, where he started in 2021 and 2022, before transferring to BYU for the 2023 season. His ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line makes him an intriguing prospect.
At BYU, Etienne showcased his versatility by playing snaps at right tackle (239 snaps) and right guard (64 snaps) in 2023.
However, before that, he primarily played left tackle, giving him experience on both sides of the line. This kind of adaptability is valuable in the NFL, especially for a team like the 49ers that values offensive line depth and versatility.
Pro Day Performance
Etienne participated in the Big 12 Pro Day, where he posted impressive athletic numbers for his size. He ran the 40-yard dash in approximately 4.96 to 4.97 seconds, which is exceptional for a player of his stature. He also recorded a 30-inch vertical jump and a broad jump of nine feet
six inches. These numbers indicate that he possesses both power and agility, key traits for an offensive lineman in the NFL.
His Pro Day performance, combined with his size and experience, makes him an intriguing mid-to-late-round draft prospect. While he is not projected to be an early-round selection, his raw athleticism and versatility could make him a valuable addition to a team looking to develop young talent on the offensive line.
Why the 49ers Are Interested
The 49ers’ offensive line has been a point of concern despite the team’s consistent success in recent years. While Trent Williams remains one of the best left tackles in the game, he is getting older, and the team needs to prepare for the future. Additionally, the right tackle position has been a question mark, with Colton McKivitz playing the position in 2023 but not necessarily cementing himself as a long-term solution.
Etienne’s ability to play both tackle spots, and even shift inside to guard if needed, makes him a valuable depth piece. Given the 49ers’ history of developing offensive
linemen under Kyle Shanahan, they could see Etienne as a player with potential who could develop into a starter over time.
Final Thoughts
The 49ers conducting a pre-draft interview with Caleb Etienne is a sign that they are doing their due diligence on offensive line prospects. While Etienne is not a first-round talent, his athleticism, size, and experience make him an intriguing mid-round option. If the 49ers select him in the draft, he could provide much-needed depth and potentially develop into a key contributor on their offensive line in the coming years.