The San Francisco 49ers selected University of Georgia defensive end Robert Beal Jr. with the 173rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Beal is a proven talent from one of the best football programs in the nation, but may have a hard time getting reps on the 49ers ultra-talented defense.
Something of a project, Beal will need time to adjust to the pace of the NFL game, and could surely benefit from time in a professional weight room as a rookie. He needs to get more consistent with his game on a snap to snap basis to become the player scouts hope he can be, but if he puts it all together over the next several years, Beal could be one of the best picks in this draft.
San Francisco entered this draft with minimal assets, so converting picks to valuable prospects will be crucial to their success in the coming years. Beal should prove to be a competent selection here.
