The San Francisco 49ers last used a first-round pick on an offensive lineman in 2018, selecting tackle Mike McGlinchey with the ninth overall pick. Of course, the team lacked a first-round pick in 2022 and 2023, preventing them from addressing the offensive front in those drafts.
In his first mock draft, NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah predicts that trend will end in 2024. Jeremiah projects general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan will use the 11th overall pick to bolster the trenches, selecting Missouri offensive lineman Armand Membou, the third offensive lineman off the board in his projection.
The 49ers are poised to invest significantly in Brock Purdy this offseason, so protecting their franchise quarterback should be a top priority.
While Membou played nearly all his collegiate snaps at right tackle, Jeremiah envisions him transitioning to guard at the NFL level. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 325 pounds, Jeremiah may feel Membou's skill set and frame suggest a higher ceiling as an interior lineman. Jeremiah even compares him to a New York Jets guard.
"Membou is the most technically sound offensive lineman in this class," Jeremiah wrote. "He reminds me of Aljah Vera-Tucker when he entered the league. Membou will be an exceptional guard who can also play tackle if needed."
Membou, a two-year starter, earned an outstanding 90.4 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus this season, ranking fifth nationally among collegiate offensive linemen. He also posted impressive marks of 87.6 in run blocking and 85.4 in pass blocking. Over 410 pass-blocking snaps, Membou allowed just nine pressures and zero sacks during the 2024 season.
If the 49ers draft Membou to play guard, he could replace Aaron Banks, who is set to hit free agency. The 49ers already struck gold last year with rookie right guard Dominick Puni, who started all 17 games and earned Pro Football Focus' highest grade (80.5) among rookie offensive linemen.
Jeremiah's NFL Media colleague, analyst Lance Zierlein, offered the following scouting overview of Membou:
Young, talented prospect whose lack of NFL-tackle size will test teams' willingness to make exceptions to their standards. Membou plays with composed quickness and elite body control. He delivers good pop on contact and has the range to spring runs with blocks in space. Footwork and core strength fuel stick-block sustain, but he can be outreached by edge-setters. His pass sets are technically sound, and he processes twists and blitzes quickly. Membou plays with a varied pass-set strategy and crafty hands to stymie rush momentum, but teams will have to live with long-armed rushers collapsing the pocket on him at times. Hands and feet work in unison to mirror speed and edge-to-edge rush challenges. He's still growing into his frame but his game boasts unusual maturity. Membou's potential impact at a premium position should keep him at tackle, but he has outstanding potential regardless.