Enrique Cruz Won't be an Instant Contibutor for the 49ers, but Could be the Best Pick of the Draft

Enrique Cruz Won't be an Instant Contibutor for the 49ers, but Could be the Best Pick of the Draft

Day-three picks in the NFL Draft are traditionally spent on low-floor, high-upside players who could develop into a starter. This rang true for the San Francisco 49ers when they selected Kansas offensive tackle Enrique Cruz Jr. in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. While Cruz is still a raw prospect, his superb athleticism gives him sky-high potential.

Cruz spent three seasons at Syracuse before transferring to Kansas and becoming a reliable player. He started all 12 games for the Jayhawks and allowed only two sacks and 16 pressures. The six-foot-six, 313-pound prospect combines his NFL-ready frame with otherworldly athleticism to give him the makings (I’m not saying he will reach this) of an elite tackle.

Cruz burst onto the national scene with an elite 9.99 RAS score. He posted an absurd 1.74 10-yard split, 35” vertical, and a nine-foot-eight-inch broad jump. These traits are evident in his film, allowing him to mirror opposing edge rushers and match their athleticism. The former Jayhawk is impactful both as a pass and run blocker. His impressive footwork rarely leaves him out of position and helps him climb to the second level.

49ers fans must keep their expectations in check. Cruz isn’t ready to play in the NFL immediately. He will likely need multiple years to develop proper technique and adjust to the increased level of competition. Fortunately for them, he has an elite mentor in veteran Trent Williams who can help him develop before potentially taking the reins.

This is a major advantage for Cruz, as Williams’ fundamentals are among the best in the league. The rookie lacks elite punch timing and accuracy. Additionally, he needs to sure up his anchor and leverage as a run blocker. These won’t be an immediate fix, but with NFL-level coaching and Williams' help, he can develop in these areas.

As of now, he’s likely a third-string or practice squad option. His performance against Texas Tech is exemplary of why he can’t be an immediate starter, being burnt by David Bailey and Romello Height. However, his showings in other games (Arizona) should give the team and fans hope that he can develop into this role.