Pro Football Focus contributor Jordan Plocher released his first mock draft of the year. Like many experts, he projects the San Francisco 49ers addressing one of their biggest offseason needs with the 11th overall pick. Plocher projects the team selecting Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons, a common choice in early mock drafts.
The draft could allow the 49ers to add a potential successor to Trent Williams, the team's veteran left tackle who has put together a Hall-of-Fame-worthy career.
"The 49ers have a history of investing in the trenches, and here they add an athletic offensive tackle for the future," Plocher wrote. "Longtime left tackle Trent Williams will return in 2025, but at 37 years old and entering his 15th season, it's time to start planning ahead. Selecting Simmons gives San Francisco a long-term solution at a critical position."
In Plocher's mock draft, Simmons is the third offensive lineman selected, following LSU's Will Campbell to the New England Patriots at No. 4 and Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. to the Chicago Bears at No. 10.
However, Banks slides to No. 11 in Daniel Harms' latest mock draft for The Draft Network. Harms has general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan selecting the Texas standout in the first round.
"There's a world where the 49ers find themselves in need of two offensive tackles in the same offseason and they'll need to get out in front of that reality before it comes true," Harms explained. "Adding Kelvin Banks Jr. gives them someone who will help their run game and can compete to be the right tackle as a rookie."
In Harms' projection, Banks is only the second offensive lineman taken, with Campbell going to the Bears at No. 10. Meanwhile, Simmons falls to No. 18, landing with the Seattle Seahawks.
With Williams nearing the end of his career and the offensive line needing reinforcements, it's no surprise that many draft analysts predict the 49ers will invest their first selection in the position.
The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 24, at historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
