Longtime ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. acknowledges that the San Francisco 49ers have several pressing needs heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. This is especially true after an offseason purge that saw key contributors depart for other teams. Gone are stars like Deebo Samuel, Dre Greenlaw, and Charvarius Ward, setting the stage for a very different-looking team next season.
"That's a bunch of talent walking out the door, and the Niners could really address any of those spots," Kiper wrote in his latest mock draft.
While the offensive and defensive lines were already seen as the likeliest targets with the No. 11 overall pick—earned after a six-win season—the offseason exodus has left nearly every position in play. Still, Kiper has the 49ers bolstering the trenches in the first round with a player frequently linked to the team—Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou.
"But San Francisco also is working to extend quarterback Brock Purdy, and building up the offensive line in front of him has to be a priority," Kiper continued. "Aaron Banks and Jaylon Moore signed elsewhere, and Trent Williams -- who has two years left on his deal -- will be 37 this coming season."
A two-year starter at Missouri, Membou allowed just eight pressures over 411 pass-blocking snaps in 2024 and didn't surrender a single sack. His draft stock rose after an impressive showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, where the 332-pound lineman posted a 4.91-second 40-yard dash, a 9-foot-7 broad jump, and a 34-inch vertical jump.
"Membou is my top-ranked tackle in the class, and I see him sliding in on the right side, where he started 30 games in college," Kiper wrote.
While many—like Kiper—believe Membou would provide an immediate upgrade over Colton McKivitz at right tackle, awaiting his opportunity to succeed Williams on the left side, Kiper also sees flexibility in Membou's game.
"He also could play guard at a high level early in his career, however, then transition to left tackle down the road," Kiper added.
Membou played almost exclusively at right tackle during his collegiate career. His only snap at guard came last season at left guard.
Still, there's no denying his talent. Membou's 90.6 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus last season ranked fourth in the nation among tackles. He also improved his run-blocking grade from 64.4 in 2023 to 87.6 in 2024, while his pass-blocking grade jumped from 75.9 in 2023 to 86.6 in 2024.