The San Francisco 49ers are making a concerted effort to strengthen their offensive line ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. With key departures during free agency, including offensive linemen Jaylon Moore and Aaron Banks, the team is looking to reinforce protection for quarterback Brock Purdy and maintain a dominant presence in the trenches.
As the 49ers aim for another Super Bowl run, analysts predict they will prioritize offensive linemen in their draft strategy. In a recent seven-round mock draft by Pro Football Focus (PFF), San Francisco is projected to use multiple early picks to address their line, ensuring they have both immediate contributors and long-term solutions.
First-Round Pick: Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas (OT)
The 49ers are expected to select Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. with their first-round pick. Banks, a dominant force in pass protection, allowed just one sack and 10 total pressures across 538 pass-blocking snaps in 2024. His blend of power and technique makes him a top-tier prospect, and he could immediately compete for the right tackle job while also being groomed as a potential successor to Trent Williams at left tackle.
At 6-foot-4 and 325 pounds, Banks is agile for his size, excelling in zone-blocking schemes—an ideal fit for head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. His ability to handle elite pass rushers would be a significant asset as the 49ers continue to build a championship-caliber offensive unit.
Second-Round Pick: Grey Zabel, North Dakota State (OL)
In the second round, San Francisco is projected to select North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel, a versatile interior offensive lineman who has experience playing center, guard, and tackle. Zabel stood out at the Senior Bowl, proving he can handle top-tier competition despite coming from an FCS program.
Zabel’s ability to transition between positions makes him an attractive option for a 49ers team that values versatility. His physicality in the run game and ability to hold up in pass protection could make him a long-term starter, especially if the 49ers face injuries on the interior offensive line.
Other Potential Picks: Armand Membou, Missouri (OT)
Beyond PFF’s mock draft, other analysts, such as Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network, believe the 49ers could target Missouri’s Armand Membou in the first round. Membou is one of the most athletic tackles in the draft, boasting a rare combination of power and quickness. At 332 pounds, he ran a 4.91-second 40-yard dash, demonstrating the mobility needed for San Francisco’s wide-zone scheme.
Why the 49ers Are Prioritizing the O-Line
San Francisco’s investment in the offensive line comes at a crucial time. With the departure of key linemen and aging veterans like Trent Williams, ensuring long-term stability up front is a necessity. Protecting Brock Purdy, who excels when given time to operate, is a top priority.
By focusing on offensive linemen in the 2025 draft, the 49ers are reinforcing the foundation for sustained success, making sure their offense remains one of the most efficient in the NFL.