The San Francisco 49ers are widely expected to target an offensive or defensive lineman with their first-round pick in the upcoming draft. However, a trade could also be in play, allowing them to move from the No. 11 spot while still landing an impactful prospect.
Pro Football Network contributor Ben Rolfe released a seven-round mock draft, projecting the 49ers to make a move in the first round—but not by trading up. Instead, he envisions general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan trading down, sending the No. 11 pick to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for the No. 16 and No. 47 selections.
With their new first-round pick, Rolfe has the 49ers selecting Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou. This is a win-win situation for the team, strengthening the offensive line while adding an extra draft pick.
"This trade could not have worked out better for the San Francisco 49ers," Ben Rolfe wrote. "They drop back and pick up a second-round selection while still getting a potential starting right tackle in Armand Membou. He brings a rare combination of strength and technique and is highly [battle-tested] coming from the SEC."
A two-year starter, Membou earned an impressive 90.4 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024, ranking fifth nationally among collegiate offensive linemen. His run-blocking grade (87.6) and pass-blocking grade (85.4) were equally strong. Over 410 pass-blocking snaps, Membou allowed just nine pressures and did not surrender a single sack during the 2024 season.
"The 49ers' offensive line ranked 14th last year, so they do not need wholesale changes," Rolfe continued. "However, Trent Williams is entering the twilight of his career, and Colton McKivitz will be a free agent after 2025. Membou could be an insurance policy in 2025 if McKivitz has to cover Williams and then step in as a replacement starter for 2026."
But that's not the only trade Rolfe envisions for San Francisco. More on that below.
Round 2: Strengthen the defense
With their second selection—No. 43 overall—Rolfe has the 49ers addressing the defensive side of the ball by drafting Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell.
"The De'Vondre Campbell disaster, combined with Dre Greenlaw hitting free agency in 2025, means that linebacker is a position of need for the 49ers," Rolfe wrote. "Playing alongside Fred Warner gives any linebacker they drafted a fantastic role model to learn from in how to play the position. While Jihaad Campbell does not have the same play style, he can learn from Warner to develop his play against the run.
"Campbell is a versatile player who can conventionally play linebacker and rush the passer when required. Some might profile him in an EDGE role, but his coverage skills make him more than that. There is so much to his game that he could become a complete three-down linebacker with some development."
With the No. 47 pick—acquired in their first-round trade—the 49ers address the secondary by selecting Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos.
"With Charvarius Ward and Nick McCloud set to hit free agency, the 49ers need to find a cornerback to bolster their ranks," Rolfe explained. "Trey Amos is a solid value in the middle of the second round and has the talent to be an immediate starter for the 49ers.
"Amos is a gifted cornerback with the tools to be a long-term starter. His athleticism and frame make him an intriguing prospect, and with the right development, he has the potential to thrive at the next level. While refining his eye discipline will be key, his natural talent and upside could make him a valuable addition, especially for a team in need of help on the outside."
Round 3: Another trade
Rolfe projects the 49ers making yet another trade, this time sending the No. 75 overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for pick No. 97 and a 2026 third-round selection.
With the No. 97 pick, Rolfe has San Francisco selecting LSU defensive end Bradyn Swinson.
"With Yetur Gross-Matos a potential cut candidate and Leonard Floyd entering the final year of his deal, the 49ers need to address their pass rush now to develop a player into a starter," Rolfe wrote. "This is somewhat of a luxury pick for the 49ers, and they may choose to spend it elsewhere, but the talent in Bradyn Swinson is high enough that they should at least consider taking him.
"Swinson broke out in 2024, showcasing his explosive first step, strength, and bend off the edge. He converts speed to power effectively, using a refined skill set and strong hand placement to disrupt offenses. Learning from Nick Bosa for a year will only help Swinson to refine his game further and hopefully become a complete starter."
With the No. 99 pick, Rolfe has the 49ers adding to their tight end depth by selecting Texas' Gunnar Helm.
"This is another luxury pick for the 49ers, but they also need to consider a successor for George Kittle," Rolfe wrote. "Gunnar Helm has the upside to be that successor more than anyone else on the roster. Helm can contribute as a pass catcher and as a blocker, meaning he is ideal for the TE2 role but with the upside to be a TE1 in the coming seasons."
Rounds 4-7
Here's how Rolfe has the 49ers using their remaining draft picks. While full details are not provided, he projects the team trading down from No. 112 to No. 119 in the fourth round, acquiring pick No. 180 in the process.
- Round 4, Pick 119 Overall: Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary
- Round 4, Pick 138: Howard Cross III, DT, Notre Dame
- Round 4, Pick 139: Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon
- Round 6, Pick 180: Tyler Cooper, G, Minnesota
- Round 6, Pick 189: BJ Adams, CB, UCF
- Round 7, Pick 228: Rayuan Lane III, S, Navy
- Round 7, Pick 255: Nazir Stackhouse, DT, Georgia