Former Iowa Hawkeye offensive lineman Connor Colby was an afterthought following his late draft selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
After a myriad of injuries to offensive players last season, including to starting quarterback Brock Purdy, the 49ers faithful were banking on the organization to add more offensive line help through the draft, but Colby was
The San Francisco 49ers selected Colby with the No. 249 overall pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but he was widely considered to be a long shot to make the 53-man roster. He was the only offensive lineman the Niners selected in this year's draft.
Colby's teammate and fellow former Hawkeye George Kittle has been one of his biggest promoters, but he was going to need more than that to impress the coaching staff and make the roster.
Even with the odds to make the roster stacked against him, Colby got to work and has been steadily climbing the Niners' depth chart with his play.
During San Francisco's first preseason game against the Denver Broncos, Colby was the highest-graded offensive lineman on the team, and he has continued to impress the coaching staff.
After a join practice with the Las Vegas Raiders this week, Niners' Head Coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the media and spoke about his rookie offensive lineman.
Kyle Shanahan and 49ers Players Address the Media Following Joint Practices https://t.co/OO7SzajUwo
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 14, 2025
During his post-practice media availability, Shanahan was asked about Colby and how he has looked in the preseason so far. The Niners' head man had nothing but positive things to say about Colby.
Shanahan stated that Colby is getting better every week, and he has drastically improved over the past few weeks.
He also noted that he saw Colby's high grade from the first game and did not think it was too far off after watching him play against the Broncos.
The projected San Francisco depth chart has Ben Bartch penciled in as the starter at left guard, but if Colby continues his run of great play, he could easily slide into the backup role and start if Bartch misses time with an injury.