What happened: Drafted out of Iowa in the seventh round, Colby started by Week 2 of his rookie campaign due to depth chart injuries. The 23-year-old struggled in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals when isolated on edge rusher Josh Sweat, allowing eight blown blocks including seven in pass protection. After taking just 25 snaps in Week 8 and sitting out the remainder of the year, right tackle Colton McKivitz and offensive line coach Chris Foerster reported during spring practices that Colby is playing faster and mastering the scheme.

Why it matters: If San Francisco releases the 6-foot-5, 309-pound lineman, the team absorbs his $25,418 signing bonus installment as dead money while clearing his scheduled pay from the 2026 cap. His technique on jump sets versus passive protection will dictate whether he reclaims a starting role or serves as backup after the 49ers added veteran lineman Brett Toth for interior offensive line depth earlier this offseason.

What to watch: San Francisco begins padded practices during July training camp, where Colby will compete for first-team reps at left guard. Coaches will monitor whether his improved lateral quickness in non-padded spring drills translates when physical contact resumes next month.