The San Francisco 49ers used the No. 179 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to add offensive lineman Enrique Cruz Jr. from Kansas, continuing to strengthen the depth and versatility of their front line. Cruz Jr. arrives with multi-positional experience, and his college track record suggests a player who can handle different responsibilities at tackle.
His path to the NFL included five collegiate seasons across two schools, Syracuse and Kansas, where he built a reputation as a dependable lineman. Over four seasons at Syracuse, he started 18 games, including 15 at left tackle and three at right tackle, before moving to Kansas in 2025 and starting every game at right tackle.
What Cruz Jr. brings to San Francisco
Cruz Jr. measured 6-foot-5 and 313 pounds at the NFL Combine, where evaluators highlighted his “outstanding length” and strong physical profile. Scouts also pointed to his explosive power, controlled footwork, and balance at the point of contact, traits that can matter quickly in a pro offense.
His combine numbers helped underline that appeal, especially for a team looking for linemen with functional movement and power. Among offensive tackles at the Combine, Cruz Jr. ranked third in athleticism score with a 91, a sign that his testing matched the positive traits noted on film.
A steady college resume
Kansas gave Cruz Jr. a chance to show he could step into a new program and perform immediately. He answered with a full season as a starter at right tackle and earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention recognition, adding conference recognition to his experience against high-level competition.
That mix of production and adaptability likely helped make him an appealing late-round target for San Francisco. Cruz Jr. has already shown he can work on both sides of the tackle spot, and that kind of flexibility often carries extra value for NFL teams building out the back end of a roster.
The 49ers are getting a lineman with size, length, and a tested college résumé, along with the physical traits that scouts believe can translate to the next level. For San Francisco, Cruz Jr. becomes another developmental addition with the positional background to compete for a role along the offensive line.
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