While the 2022 NFL Draft was just two months ago and the 49ers are contending for another playoff appearance, it is never too early to look at the next batch of prospects that could potentially elevate the roster during the current championship window.
Earlier last week, PFF's Mike Renner highlighted one draft prospect that every NFL team should be watching for the 2023 NFL Draft, and provided an interesting selection for the 49ers: sixth-year USC offensive lineman Andrew Vorhees.
Renner acknowledged San Francisco's lack of a first-round selection in 2023, which is why he went deeper in the class to find a potential talent for San Francisco, although Vorhees could be a Day 1 starter after a breakout season in 2021.
"With no first-round pick to speak of, the 49ers will have to upgrade the interior of their offensive line in other ways. The good news is that's one position where Day 1 starters are commonplace outside the first round. Vorhees should hit the ground NFL-ready as a sixth-year player and fifth-year starter. He had a breakout 2021, where he earned a 90.0 overall grade."
The 49ers selected an offensive lineman early in the draft just a season ago with guard Aaron Banks, who is expected to start next to Trent Williams following the departure of veteran Laken Tomlinson in free agency.
Additionally, the 49ers have also drafted Jaylon Moore, Colton McKivitz, Spencer Burford, and Nick Zakelj in the later rounds of the past three drafts, adding to their current offensive line depth.
While San Francisco may opt to address the best-player-available once again given their draft position, they could look to, once again, draft an offensive lineman if one of their younger players does not develop as they had hoped during the 2022 season.
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