San Francisco 49ers get another first-hand look at potential first-round prospect's biggest selling point

That short-area athleticism is reflected in Morgan's tape as a run blocker, with Morgan consistently showing the ability to easily climb to the second level and pull around the outside into open space.

His prowess in this area would be greatly valued by a 49ers offense that still leans heavily on inside and outside zone runs. However, the Niners should similarly be concerned about some of Morgan's inconsistencies, which include hitting his target when he gets to the next level.

Morgan has clear room for improvement in doing so, while there is reason for doubt about his reliability in pass protection.

The 49ers' dilemma

For the most part, Morgan does an excellent job of using his excellent quick footwork to stay square to pass rushers and prevent pressure. He has impressive lateral quickness and has shown the ability to recover when pass rushers get a step and put him in the race around the edge.

Despite his intriguing blend of athleticism and power, Morgan too often finds himself being driven back towards the quarterback. Concerns over his ninth-percentile arm length have helped fuel talk of a move to guard, and a hesitation in activating his hands has led to defenders frequently beating him to the punch and not allowing him to anchor with an effective bull rush.

Occasionally guilty of oversetting and leaving himself vulnerable to inside moves, Morgan's tape begs an obvious question. After seeing McKivitz get pushed around by Chris Jones and Co. in the Super Bowl, are the Niners willing to take a bet on another tackle who right now would seem to have little answer for power rushers?

The difference is that Morgan has a lot of room for growth and the traits he does possess significantly raise his floor in both pass protection and run blocking. McKivitz likely is what he is going to be entering his fifth year in the NFL.

At 31, it would be entirely understandable for the 49ers to take a bet on upside, especially with a reliable if unspectacular starter already there as insurance at right tackle. With future Hall of Famer Trent Williams manning the left side, any tackle entering the 49ers' facility has an exceptional mentor.

In essence, the 49ers need to decide if Morgan's high ceiling and the support system they would have in place is enough to offset the early ups and downs that will likely come if they make him their first opening-round pick since 2021. The decision they take could have a huge bearing on the next few years.