The San Francisco 49ers must undoubtedly address the trenches in the 2025 NFL Draft. While the releases of Javon Hargrave, Leonard Floyd, and Maliek Collins significantly reduced the defensive line's depth, the team must also bolster its offensive line for the future. Aside from left tackle and right guard, where veteran Trent Williams and promising youngster Dominick Puni play, every other spot could use upgrades.
Williams, who has been in the NFL since 2010, won't be playing much longer. Last month, general manager John Lynch confirmed that Williams' return in 2025 was a certainty after the future Hall of Fame offensive lineman missed the final seven games of last season due to an ankle injury.
"Trent's playing, and he's ready," Lynch said. "I think he's really motivated to come back. ... When you're a player that has experience playing at those heights, you don't want to play unless you're playing at that level, and I think that's where Trent's at.
"And I think we're going to see a real motivated Trent Williams to come back and have a great year, and that's a good thing for us."
NFL Media contributor Mike Band recently released his first mock draft of the year, predicting that the No. 11 pick would be the perfect opportunity for the 49ers to plan for life after Williams. Band has the team selecting Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou, a player frequently linked to the 49ers in mock drafts.
"It isn't a stretch to think the 49ers are preparing for life after Trent Williams, who turns 37 in July and is set to carry a massive cap hit in 2026," Band wrote. "Membou offers a rare blend of size (332 pounds) and athleticism (he ran a 4.91-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine) that is ideal for Kyle Shanahan's outside-zone scheme."
Membou, a two-year starter at Missouri, allowed just eight pressures in 411 pass-blocking snaps in 2024 and didn't give up a sack. In addition to his impressive 40-time, his Combine numbers were highlighted by a 9-foot-7 broad jump and a 34-inch vertical jump, all while measuring 6-foot-4 and 332 pounds.
Like many, Band believes Membou could provide an immediate upgrade at multiple positions while being groomed to replace Williams at left tackle.
"He could challenge Colton McKivitz for the right tackle job immediately or slot in at guard as a rookie if Williams and McKivitz remain healthy," Band added. "San Francisco's in-person meeting with Membou in Indy only strengthens the belief that he's on the Niners' short list of potential long-term building blocks."
