49ers Guard Prospect SHOWDOWN: Emmanuel Pregnon, Gennings Dunker, Keylan Rutledge, Chase Bisontis
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The Locked On 49ers podcast dives deep into the 2026 NFL Draft's guard class, analyzing four top prospects: Emmanuel Pregnone (Oregon), Jennings Dunker (Iowa), Keelan Rutledge (Georgia Tech), and Chase Besantis (Texas A&M). Hosts Brian Peacock and Eric Crocker evaluate each player’s physical traits, film performance, and fit for the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive scheme. Pregnone emerges as the top prospect—powerful, athletic, and with a dominant mean streak—earning strong praise as a potential first-round pick. Keelan Rutledge is highlighted as a near-perfect fit for the 49ers’ zone-blocking system, praised for his athleticism, technique, and fluid movement, despite not being the most powerful. Chase Besantis is lauded for elite athleticism and quickness but criticized for lacking power and drive-blocking ability. Jennings Dunker, while physically imposing and aggressive, is deemed a poor fit due to limited athleticism and foot speed. The hosts debate positional value, contract implications, and the risk of drafting a guard in the first round versus a tackle. They conclude that Rutledge is the most likely future 49er, with Pregnone as a top-tier option if available early.
Emmanuel Pregnone is the top guard prospect with elite power, athleticism, and a dominant mindset—ideal for a first-round pick.
Keelan Rutledge is the best fit for the 49ers’ zone-blocking scheme, combining athleticism, technique, and immediate play-readiness.
Chase Besantis is highly athletic but lacks the power and drive-blocking ability needed for a starting guard.
Jennings Dunker’s physicality and attitude are appealing, but his lack of athleticism makes him a poor fit for the 49ers’ system.
The 49ers may benefit from drafting a tackle convert (like Caleb Lomu or Max O'Hanushor) over a guard in the first round due to positional value and long-term upside.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction: The 49ers' Guard Need & Draft Focus
The hosts introduce the episode, highlighting the San Francisco 49ers' pressing need at guard and the importance of the 2026 NFL Draft. They tease the analysis of four top guard prospects and promote the Everydayer Club for ad-free listening.
Emmanuel Pregnone: The Powerhouse Prospect
“He annihilates people. I mean, I just fell in love with the prospect, moved well, big, strong, powerful, pass setting well, run blocking well. Destroying guys, mean streak, trying to finish everybody.”
Jennings Dunker: The Aggressive but Limited Athlete
Dunker is critiqued for lacking athleticism and foot speed despite a strong physical presence and aggressive mindset. His fit for the 49ers’ system is deemed poor due to clunky movement and poor lateral agility.
Keelan Rutledge: The Ideal 49ers Fit
“He moved very well in space. One of the things that was interesting... he did a really good job of making contact with guys... he still tried to finish the guys off as if he were a powerful guy.”
Chase Besantis: The Athletic but Underpowered Guard
Besantis is praised for elite athleticism and quickness but criticized for lacking power and drive-blocking ability. He’s seen as a second-round pick, not a first-round guard.
“He annihilates people. I mean, I just fell in love with the prospect, moved well, big, strong, powerful, pass setting well, run blocking well. Destroying guys, mean streak, trying to finish everybody.”
“If you're trying to move Seattle Seahawks' defensive linemen out of the way and convert a third and one or a fourth and one... Then Emmanuel Pregnone's your pick.”
“I'll get off my offense tackle in the first round. So box rock could be guard in the first round could be guard in the second round.”
Hosts
Eric Crocker
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Brian Peacock
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San Francisco 49ers
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Emmanuel Pregnone
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Keelan Rutledge
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Jennings Dunker
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Chase Besantis
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Oregon
organization
Georgia Tech
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Iowa
organization
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