49ers Guard Prospect SHOWDOWN: Emmanuel Pregnon, Gennings Dunker, Keylan Rutledge, Chase Bisontis

Locked On 49ers - Daily Podcast On The San Francisco 49ers34mApril 7, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

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.

Key Takeaways
1

Emmanuel Pregnone is the top guard prospect with elite power, athleticism, and a dominant mindset—ideal for a first-round pick.

2

Keelan Rutledge is the best fit for the 49ers’ zone-blocking scheme, combining athleticism, technique, and immediate play-readiness.

3

Chase Besantis is highly athletic but lacks the power and drive-blocking ability needed for a starting guard.

4

Jennings Dunker’s physicality and attitude are appealing, but his lack of athleticism makes him a poor fit for the 49ers’ system.

5

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

Chapters
0:00
2 min

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.

1:40
7 min

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.

Highlight
8:40
8 min

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.

16:40
8 min

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.

Highlight
25:00
8 min

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.

High-Impact Quotes
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.
Eric Crocker4:59
Viral: 85.0
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.
Eric Crocker8:44
Viral: 82.0
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.
Eric Crocker34:37
Viral: 80.0
Speakers

Hosts

Brian PeacockEric Crocker
Topics Discussed
2026 NFL Draft95%Guard Position Evaluation90%San Francisco 49ers Draft Strategy88%Offensive Line Fit for Zone Schemes85%Athleticism vs. Power in Linemen80%Tackle-to-Guard Transitions75%Draft Position and Value70%Player Development and Longevity65%
People & Brands

Eric Crocker

person

40xPositive

Brian Peacock

person

40xPositive

San Francisco 49ers

organization

35xPositive

Emmanuel Pregnone

person

25xPositive

Keelan Rutledge

person

22xPositive

Jennings Dunker

person

18xNeutral

Chase Besantis

person

16xPositive

Oregon

organization

12xNeutral

Georgia Tech

organization

8xNeutral

Iowa

organization

8xNeutral

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