There are a slew of directions the San Francisco 49ers can go in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft that would all make sense.
Their two clear, most pressing needs are on the offensive and defensive lines where multiple new starters are needed on both sides of the ball.
San Francisco’s team-building ethos would typically make the defensive line their go-to position with the No. 11 overall pick in this year’s draft, but they may be in a place where they have to address a looming problem on the offensive line instead.
In a one-round mock draft by ESPN’s Field Yates, the 49ers skip their defensive line to help bolster their offensive line with Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons.
The analysis is the typical analysis regarding the 49ers taking an OL with the 11th pick – they can use an upgrade at right tackle while also readying themselves to replace soon-to-be 37-year-old Trent Williams. Simmons appears to have all the physical tools to be that player for the 49ers after a successful three-year college career.
A question that goes beyond who the pick would be lies within whether the 49ers would actually draft an offensive lineman that high. The other time they did it was in the 2018 draft when they selected Notre Dame OT Mike McGlinchey. At that point the 49ers desperately needed help at offensive tackle, so the need was clear and immediate.
There’s an argument to be made they’re in that same boat now.
Williams is not only closer to 40 than 30, but he dealt with an ankle injury last season that limited him to 10 games. He’s yet to play more than 15 games in a season during his five years with San Francisco.
If the 49ers bounce back toward Super Bowl contention in 2025, they won’t be picking nearly this early next year and finding a quality offensive tackle later in the draft could prove difficult.
Simmons specifically fits not only because of his success at Ohio State, but he has experience as a right tackle during his one season as a starter with San Diego State before transferring to join the Buckeyes. He’s also coming off an ACL tear in October, and the 49ers have the personnel in place to ensure they’re not rushing Simmons into action.
Combine that with the potential to upgrade over right tackle Colton McKivitiz and the need looks substantial enough that San Francisco may be willing to take a swing on the offensive line in the first round for the second time since 2017.