Standing at 6-foot-5 and 313 pounds, scouts at the NFL Combine noted Cruz Jr.'s explosive power, controlled footwork, and core strength to control against the rush. Cruz Jr. emerged as one of the leaders.
Among offensive tackles, he ranked third in athleticism with a score of 91, second in both the broad and vertical jump, as well as recording the top 40-yard dash speed of 20.69 mph after running a 4.94.
Those athletic traits were part of what caught the 49ers attention.
"Cruz is a guy that throughout the process we became very intrigued with," Lynch said. "Amongst all the offensive linemen, he had the fastest 40 time, [one of the] highest vertical jumps, and the highest speed... it speaks to the type of athlete he is."