Last offseason the 49ers selected two offensive linemen in the draft, in what now appears to be preparation for the 2022 season, in second-round pick Aaron Banks and fifth-round pick Jaylon Moore.
Banks, who played just five snaps in 2021, is poised to take over for Laken Tomlinson at left guard, which was his primary position in college.
Moore, who had snaps at the tackle position last year, including three starts, could take over at the guard spot opposite Banks, which Kyle Shanahan alluded to at the NFL Owner's Meeting in March.
Speaking at his pre-draft press conference, 49ers general manager John Lynch said that the team is pleased with both second-year players and are excited for their futures heading into 2022.
"Aaron Banks and Jaylon Moore, we were very happy with both of them," said Lynch. "I think a lot of people probably crossed the signals because they were not playing their rookie year, that that wasn't the case. They just had guys in front of them that were very hard to beat out. Laken [Tomlinson] obviously moved on, and so there's an open spot there, and a lot of people will compete for it. But I think Banks has a great shot at that, and Jaylon's a guy we're really excited about. He's worked his tail off this offseason."
Additionally, Lynch pointed out that veteran offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill has the capability to start at guard once again, while also alluding to his ability to play center, which may be vital given the uncertainty surrounding Alex Mack's retirement.
"Danny Brunskill remains here, and Dan's a hard guy to beat out," Lynch shared. "He just always going to push, and he's always going to do what's necessary to hang on. ... Brunskill has some versatility to go play center."
With Banks, Brunskill, and Moore, the 49ers may have their starting interior offensive line in 2022, which places a lot of weight on unproven players to protect Trey Lance.