Why 49ers’ final 2026 NFL Draft pick Enrique Cruz Jr. is a promising project

The 49ers put a cap on their 2026 NFL Draft weekend with the selection of a second offensive lineman.San Francisco on Saturday selected offensive tackle Enrique Cruz of Kansas in the fifth round with the No. 179 overall pick.The 49ers picked offensive lineman Carver Willis of Washington in the fourth round. Willis is expected to move inside to guard and, potentially, compete for a starting job.Cruz comes to the 49ers with an opportunity to compete for a roster spot as a backup offensive tackle. He could be viewed as a developmental player to keep around and groom on the practice squad.Cruz (6-foot-6, 313 pounds) has the physical tools that would seem to fit well in the 49ers’ outside zone blocking scheme. He ran an impressive time of 4.94 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.The 49ers are set at the tackle positions with Trent Williams and Colton McKivitz.The 49ers signed Vederian Lowe as a free agent to serve as the team’s swing tackle. Austen Pleasants, who filled that role last season, is also in the competition for that vital backup spot.Cruz is considered more of a project, but he showed enough promise for the 49ers to select him with...