Colton McKivitz

Summary

Colton McKivitz was selected in Round 5 (#153 Overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft out of West Virginia University. With the Mountaineers, McKivitz was a four-year starter at both tackle positions, earning Second-Team All-American and Big 12 Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year honors in 2019. He helped anchor a high-powered offensive line that produced multiple 1,000-yard rushers and supported a balanced passing attack.Since entering the NFL, McKivitz has developed into a reliable starting right tackle, appearing in 60+ games and starting in most of them through the 2024 season. Known for his technique, versatility, and professionalism, he earned a three-year contract extension with the 49ers, highlighting his value as a dependable, multi-position lineman. McKivitz is widely regarded for his work ethic, leadership, and coachable nature, bringing consistency and reliability to one of the NFL’s premier offensive lines.

Strengths

• Versatility: Can play both right and left tackle and is adaptable to multiple offensive line schemes, although his best home in the league is at right tackle due to his limited athletic ceiling.

• Technique: Strong hand placement, footwork, and balance and is rarely beaten off the line in pass protection.

• Run Blocking: Effective in both zone and power schemes, McKivitiz routinely creates movement at the point of attack.

• Football IQ: Reads defenses well pre-snap, makes proper adjustments, and communicates effectively. McKivitz has a low error rate and rarely allows pressures or missed assignments.

Weaknesses

• Athletic Ceiling: Lacks elite lateral quickness and speed to recover against top-tier edge rushers.

• Dominance vs. Power Rushers: Functional but not overpowering and may get knocked back against elite bull rushers and forklifts.

• Upside Limitations: Reliable starter but unlikely to become a Pro Bowl-caliber tackle based solely on athletic traits.

• Mobility in Space: Average pulling and reach-block skills, limiting his effectiveness as a dynamic edge blocker in outside-zone schemes.

Outlook

McKivitz is ideally suited for pro-style or balanced offensive schemes that value technique, assignment reliability, and versatility. He can be counted on to start at either tackle position, provide consistent pass protection, and contribute effectively in the run game. His ability to read defenses, communicate adjustments, and execute assignments makes him particularly valuable in complex offensive systems and under multiple scheme pressures. Looking ahead, McKivitz projects as a long-term starter and stabilizing presence on the offensive line, and the 49ers certainly would agree with this assessment due to the contract extension they recently presented him. While he may not be the most physically dominant tackle in the league, his intelligence, technique, and professionalism ensure that he remains a dependable contributor who can anchor the line for years.