Pro Football Network released its latest mock draft, and it's no surprise that the San Francisco 49ers are projected to prioritize bolstering their offensive line with the 11th overall pick. With quarterback Brock Purdy expected to sign a lucrative contract extension this offseason, protecting their long-term investment should be a top priority.
Pro Football Network has the 49ers selecting Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., a standout who played exclusively at left tackle in college. Banks is considered a logical choice to succeed future Hall of Fame offensive lineman Trent Williams.
Banks is the second offensive lineman taken in Pro Football Network's mock draft, following LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell, who is projected to go 10th overall to the Chicago Bears, one pick ahead of the 49ers.
"There isn't much divide between Kelvin Banks Jr. and Campbell, so the San Francisco 49ers will be thrilled if either of these gents slides into their laps," Pro Football Network noted. "Maybe Banks (or Campbell) will be able to keep San Fran's running backs out of the ER."
Last season, Banks earned an impressive 89.8 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, the fifth-highest mark among all collegiate offensive linemen. Over 537 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed just one sack and 10 total pressures.
Additionally, Banks posted an 81.0 run-blocking grade and a career-high 86.0 overall offensive grade, solidifying his status as one of the top prospects in the draft.
Interestingly, Pro Football Focus' own mock draft also projected Banks to the 49ers, with analyst Gordon McGuinness calling the Texas standout "elite as a pass blocker in 2024."
If the 49ers land Banks, they'll address a key need and position themselves to seamlessly transition from Williams to another highly-regarded left tackle.
