Summary

Connor Colby is a young, highly-versatile offensive lineman recently drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 7th round of the 2025 NFL Draft (pick 249). San Francisco 49ers At 6′6″ and ~309 pounds, he brings a strong collegiate resume from the Iowa Hawkeyes (50 starts across multiple line positions) and is viewed as a developmental piece with starting-potential if he refines certain aspects of his game. Wikipedia

Strengths

• Versatility across the line
  Colby has experience starting at both guard spots and even some right-tackle in college, providing the 49ers with flexibility on the interior/off-tackle. Wikipedia

• Experience & production in a major conference
  He earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2024, showing he performed at a high level in a strong college program. San Francisco 49ers

• Scheme fit for zone/run-heavy systems
  Scouts and team reports suggest Colby played in systems similar to San Francisco’s run-scheme, which should ease his transition. SI

• Size and physical attributes
  At 6′6″ and 309 lbs, he has the length and mass for the interior line while still projecting mobility for pulling and zone-blocks. His college unit ranked highly in rushing production. San Francisco 49ers

Weaknesses

Late draft pick / developmental status
Being a 7th-round selection signals that he’s not immediately expected to be a full-time starter; he’ll likely need time to adapt to the pro level. SI

• Transitioning to NFL speed & strength
  While his college production is strong, the jump to consistently handling elite NFL interior pass-rushers and complex schemes remains a question. He’ll need to refine technique, leverage, hand usage, and adjust to faster, stronger defenders.

• Consistency and ceiling
  With many starts in college, the experience is there, but projecting him to be an elite guard or long-term pro starter carries risk. Development will dictate whether he becomes a dependable starter or a rotation piece.

• Competition & depth in the 49ers roster
  Joining a team with established offensive‐line pieces means he has to earn his role and prove he can hold it. Roster depth might limit early opportunities, thus patience and growth mindset will be important.

Fit & Outlook

Connor Colby enters the NFL as a promising interior offensive lineman with a solid base of experience and scheme compatibility. For the 49ers, he represents a “high-upside” investment: if he progresses, he could become a reliable starter in a power/zone-run system. Over the next 1-2 seasons, key markers for his development will include:

• Gaining strength and refining his technique for pass protection and dealing with elite rushers

• Earning consistent snaps and building trust with the coaching staff

• Adapting to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses

• Staying healthy and showing improvement in developmental role(s)

If he checks those boxes, Colby could evolve beyond his draft slot and carve out a meaningful role. On the flip side, if adaptation is slow or he struggles with the jump, he may remain a depth piece. Overall, his profile is one of potential and opportunity.