Best player available, or need? Trent Baalke explains

As draft week unfolds, analysts are unveiling their final mock drafts heading into the annual event. The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, and ESPN's Jordan Reid released a behemoth of a mock draft, projecting all 257 selections across all seven rounds. The ESPN analyst has the Washington Commanders leaping in front of the San Francisco 49ers in the first round to select one of the top offensive tackle prospects, leaving John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan's squad to take a different approach. RELATED:

The San Francisco 49ers mainly focused on fortifying their defense in free agency, leaving many to believe that the 2024 NFL Draft will be their chance to upgrade the offensive line. Most mock drafts predict the 49ers will select the best offensive tackle available to bolster the line's weak link—the right side—and potentially provide a succession plan for 35-year-old left tackle Trent Williams. Pro Football Focus recently examined each team's biggest need heading into the draft's first round and unsurprisingly listed offensive line for the 49ers. "The 49ers likely won't have the luxury of selecting the top offensive lineman with the 31st pick, but they can still find a quality player to improve a unit that was inconsistent in pass

The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft has concluded, and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains on the San Francisco 49ers roster, as many anticipated. However, both general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan were receptive to listening to offers from other teams, and indeed, teams made inquiries. Ultimately, the offers weren't enticing enough to persuade the 49ers to part ways with Aiyuk, who served as the team's top receiver last season. However, Matt Barrows of The Athletic provided some insight into the compensation other teams discussed in preliminary talks with the 49ers. "The team took several phone calls for Aiyuk in the run-up

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel will be wearing No. 1 the next time he steps onto the football field, leaving behind his No. 19 jersey. It's an unfortunate change for any fan who previously invested in a Deebo jersey—unless they consider it a throwback. Newly signed wide receiver Trent Taylor quickly claimed No. 19 after rejoining the team on a one-year deal following three seasons elsewhere. Taylor last wore No. 15 with the 49ers, a number currently worn by wide receiver Jauan Jennings. Taylor also wore No. 81 with the team. The 49ers' official team site has listed the jersey numbers for several of the team's free-agent newcomers (and Maliek Collins, acquired via a