As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, many mock drafts predict that the San Francisco 49ers will focus on bolstering their offensive line with the 11th overall pick. Mason Johnstone of The Draft Network shares this view, selecting Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. for the 49ers.
Banks has emerged as a popular choice in mock drafts, with many experts, including Johnstone, believing that general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan will prioritize protecting their quarterback, Brock Purdy, who is set to become a very wealthy player this offseason.
"The offensive line run continues as the 49ers select the heir to Trent Williams but also an immediate contributor in Kelvin Banks Jr.," Johnstone wrote.
Although Williams intends to play in 2025, he will be 37 years old at the start of the season. Given his age and the toll that injuries are starting to take on the future Hall of Famer, it makes sense for the 49ers to plan for a successor. A significant ankle injury forced Williams to miss the last seven games of this past season.
Banks (6-4, 320) is the fourth offensive lineman selected in Johnstone's mock draft. He has Purdue tackle Marcus Mbow headed to the New England Patriots at 4th overall, LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell going to the New Orleans Saints at No. 9, and the Chicago Bears selecting Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr. with the 10th overall pick.
Playing exclusively at left tackle for the Longhorns last season, Banks earned an impressive 89.8 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking fifth among all collegiate offensive linemen. He allowed only one sack and 10 total pressures in 537 pass-blocking snaps. Additionally, Banks posted an 81.0 run-blocking grade and a career-high 86.0 overall offensive grade.
"There's a lot to address with the 49ers—among several core veterans being upcoming UFAs and a tricky QB situation, many circumstances could pull John Lynch in any direction. I think, especially in this class, doubling down on the trenches is going to pay off in the long run.
"Banks Jr. supplies an elite foundation as a backside run blocker but also possesses a high floor in protection. Despite some size concerns, he is a home-run selection with immediate rewards."