49ers take pair of ‘O’ linemen

Associated Press

SANTA CLARA, Calif.

Mike Singletary’s offensive line received a major makeover in a matter of 30 minutes.

The San Francisco 49ers made sure they got their men, all right: first, Rutgers offensive tackle Anthony Davis at No. 11, then fellow offensive lineman Mike Iupati out of Idaho six picks later.

Both will compete to be starters as rookies come training camp this summer, Davis at right tackle and Iupati at left guard.

“Do I expect them to start? Yes I do,” Singletary said. “We’re hoping that soon they can work their way in there. That’s why we brought them in here.”

The Niners pulled off a trade with the Broncos to move up two spots and secure Davis, one of the top lineman prospects.

Davis had a good feeling about the 49ers from the moment he visited team headquarters earlier this month. He had dinner with Singletary, who went 8-8 last season in his first full year in charge and ended a franchise-worst stretch of six straight losing seasons.

“[It felt] a lot different. That’s why I was so big on the 49ers going through the process,” Davis said. “But of course I had to keep it to myself. Great people, the whole staff, the team, a tight-knit group. I like what Singletary’s building over there. I can’t wait to be a part of it, win some games.”

Singletary described Iupati as a “devastating” blocker.

In Iupati, the 49ers acquired a prospect widely considered the top offensive guard in the draft. He is one of the most physically dominant guards coming out of college.

“I just come off the ball fast and physical, so I try to attack my opponents,” Iupati said. “I can play anything. I just need the repetitions. I know I played guard in college and in high school, but I know I can transition outside if they need me. Anywhere the coaches want me to play, I can play for them.”