Shanahan clarifies what position he expects Moore, Lenoir, and Hufanga to play

The 49ers will begin OTA’s later this month, with their mandatory minicamp starting in June. Here’s a look at each of those dates:

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, May 31, June 3-4, June

Mandatory Minicamp: June 11-13

The 49ers will hold their rookie minicamp in Santa Clara next Wednesday, May 12. Kyle Shanahan said the team moved the rookie minicamp back one week during his post-draft press conference since they can’t have the same amount of tryout guys. Due to COVID-19, the NFL limited the number of rookies allowed into camp for tryouts to five free agents per team.

That might explain why the Niners undrafted free agent class was so small this season compared to years past.

Speaking of the Niners draft class, they drafted a few players who could line up at multiple positions. On Saturday, Shanahan clarified who would play which position:

Jaylon, I’d say ideally a guard, but we feel he has the skill set and stuff we can move him out to tackle, also. Similar to some of the guys that we have there that can play both the spots. I think in an ideal world, we’d probably keep him at guard, but we’re excited he can do both.

With Demo, he’s not a nickel only, which means that he could play outside or inside. He’ll come in here and try to figure that out and learn it, but he’s got the skill set to where he has the ability to play either one.

And then Hufanga, love him at safety. Hits like a linebacker. His mentality is he’s an old school bad-ass as we say. So, we’re excited to get him here. See what he can do on special teams. Hopefully, he can earn a role there first to start. We’ll try him at safety. If it’s better at linebacker, that’ll eventually happen, too, but we’re excited to get the football player.”

So, for Moore, it sounds like he’ll battle Colton McKivitz and Daniel Brunskill for the swing guard position. If needed, Moore could play tackle in a pinch. Here’s what Bleacher Report’s Brandon Thorn had to say about Moore:

One of these young players will be released. The 49ers did a great job of adding young talent to ensure there is competition along the offensive line.

Demmodore Lenoir measured at 5’10” and 199 pounds at his pro day while running a 4.48 40-yard dash. If anything, his shuttle times (7.02/4.35, both below average) would make you keep Lenoir outside, where he doesn’t have to worry about a two-way go.

Lenoir was a three-year starter at Oregon. His smarts, experience, and toughness bode well for an outside cornerback.

Hufanga is the ultimate wild-card. He played all over USC’s defense. On one snap, Hufanga would play as a deep safety. On the next, he’d blitz off the edge. Hufanga said his goal is to be an All-Pro special-teamer. It’s lofty, but it gives you the mindset he has. I wouldn’t worry too much about Hufanga’s position. He’s what you’d describe as a “football player.”

We’ll talk about who might be in jeopardy after the 49ers selected Hufanga later this morning, but I’d expect him to make the roster. If you ask around, everyone is enamored with this kid, and it’s easy to see why.

I could see the Niners using Hufanga as dime linebacker on one play and a box safety on the next. Hufanga at his best when he’s near the line of scrimmage and can be disruptive. I’ve seen him set the edge and make a tackle for a stop, then come screaming off the edge with a blitz to throw off the timing of a quarterback.