Can Dominick Puni Play Right Tackle for the 49ers?

The 49ers haven't exactly been clear about their vision for the future of third-round pick Dominick Puni.

They said they'd start him inside, presumably at guard, and that he might have the ability to play center too, even though he never has played that position in a game. So maybe that's their vision for Puni's future -- at center.

But the 49ers also said Puni has the ability to play all five positions, which means they think he can play left tackle and right tackle "in a pinch," as general manager John Lynch put it. Which makes sense, considering Puni played both left tackle and right tackle in college.

My guess is Puni won't start right away as a rookie, but he'll be the first offensive lineman off the bench. Meaning if a guard gets injured, he'll be the next man up. And if center Jake Brendel gets injured, Jon Feliciano will move to center and Puni will play right guard.

But what would happen if right tackle Colton McKivitz were to get injured? Who would replace him in the starting lineup?

In that case, I wouldn't be surprised if the 49ers give Puni a look at right tackle. The only other option would be Jaylon Moore, who's not good. He probably won't be on the team next year. He has no future with the 49ers.

At right tackle, Puni actually has a similar athletic profile as McKivitz. And McKivitz shouldn't be difficult to replace. They almost never run behind him, and when they pass, they almost always give him help. Puni seems to fit the 49ers run-blocking scheme. As a pass protector, could he really be worse than McKivitz?

We'll find out.