The San Francisco 49ers could see one Banks—left guard Aaron Banks—depart in free agency this March, only to add another—Texas tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.—via the draft. While they play different positions, drafting Banks Jr. would reinforce the offensive trenches, something the 49ers haven't prioritized with a top pick since selecting Mike McGlinchey in the first round in 2018.
In his latest seven-round mock draft, Pro Football Focus (PFF) analyst Josh Liskiewitz doesn't have general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan stopping there. He projects the 49ers to use their second-round pick and one of their three fourth-round picks to further strengthen the offensive line—a crucial investment in protecting quarterback Brock Purdy, who is expected to receive a significant contract extension soon.
Round 1: T Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
"Banks elevated his game in 2024, allowing just one sack and 10 total pressures across 538 pass-blocking snaps for the Longhorns," Liskiewitz wrote.
Banks could compete with Colton McKivitz for the starting right tackle job while also serving as a long-term successor to Trent Williams at left tackle.
Round 2: OL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
Liskiewitz projects North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel to the 49ers with the 43rd overall pick. A versatile lineman, Zabel has experience at multiple positions. While he played exclusively at left tackle in 2024, he has also logged snaps at right tackle, both guard spots, and even center during his career with the Bison.
"Zabel was one of the standout performers at Senior Bowl week, showcasing the versatility and physicality needed to excel at multiple positions," Liskiewitz wrote. "He dominated at his level of competition in 2024, allowing just seven total pressures while grading positively on 23.3% of outside zone runs for the Bison."
Round 3: DE Landon Jackson, Arkansas
At pick No. 75, Liskiewitz has the 49ers addressing their pass rush with Arkansas defensive end Landon Jackson, who totaled 13 sacks over his final two collegiate seasons. Jackson could also be instrumental in improving the 49ers' underwhelming run defense from last season.
"Extreme depth at the position and questions about Jackson's fluidity could push him down the draft board, but his outstanding college production against the run is undeniable," Liskiewitz explained. "His 88.7 run-defense grade ranked second in the draft class, trailing only Marshall's Mike Green."
Round 3: CB Quincy Riley, Louisville
With their second third-round pick (No. 99 overall), Liskiewitz has the 49ers bolstering their secondary with Louisville cornerback Quincy Riley.
"Over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, opposing quarterbacks completed just 41.4% of passes when targeting Riley's coverage," Liskiewitz noted.
Rounds 4-7: 49ers Continue to Add Depth
With their third fourth-round selection, Liskiewitz has the 49ers again reinforcing their offensive line, this time with USC center Jonah Monheim.
"Monheim was a rock in pass protection at USC in 2024, allowing no sacks and just two quarterback hits all season," Liskiewitz wrote. "While outside zone wasn't a major part of the Trojans' run game, he still graded positively on 31.8% of runs using the concept."
Liskiewitz also projects the 49ers to draft a quarterback in the sixth round (No. 187 overall), selecting Indiana's Kurtis Rourke.
"The 49ers currently don't have a backup quarterback under contract for 2025, making Rourke an intriguing developmental option," Liskiewitz explained. "In 2024, Rourke excelled on intermediate throws (10-19 yards downfield) — a key indicator of future success. His 133.7 NFL passer rating on those passes ranked second among all draft-eligible quarterbacks, trailing only Jaxson Dart of Mississippi."
Here's a rundown of Liskiewitz's projected selections for the 49ers from rounds four through seven, which includes six picks:
- Round 4, Pick 111: DT Cam Horsley, Boston College
- Round 4, Pick 137: LB Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota
- Round 4, Pick 138: C Jonah Monheim, USC
- Round 5, Pick 149: RB Kyle Monangai, Rutgers
- Round 6, Pick 187: QB Kurtis Rourke, Indiana
- Round 7, Pick 256: WR Jaylin Lane, Virginia Tech