Connor Colby is turning heads in San Francisco as the 249th pick whose preseason play could land him a long-term spot at left guard. He stepped in against Denver, took first-team reps after Ben Bartch left with an elbow issue, and drew strong praise from Kyle Shanahan who noted Colby improves with every week and is adapting to SF’s unique run-game demands. Shanahan highlighted Colby’s athletes’ advantages—size and feet for pass blocking—with learning still needed in the run game. Colby is in a battle with Nick Zakelj, and if he wins the starting job, he’ll join Brock Purdy and Jauan Jennings as seventh-round contributors who became integral to the 49ers’ success.

Shanahan’s comments suggest Colby’s future hinges on translating his Iowa tape, where pass blocking stood out, to SF’s run-first scheme. The center of gravity for fantasy managers is Colby’s upside if he ascends the depth chart: a starter with immediate pass-protection value and potential for sustained role as SF leans on protection and a grounded ground game. Colby’s path is not guaranteed Week 1, but his trajectory—bolstered by Purdy’s development and a continued push from Bartch’s injury absence—could yield a meaningful fantasy floor in deeper leagues.