With quarterback Brock Purdy on the verge of becoming one of the NFL's highest-paid players, Miller believes it's time for the 49ers to make a serious investment in their offensive line. In his latest two-round mock draft, Miller has general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan using their first two selections to fortify the trenches.
After finishing the 2024 season with a 6-11 record, the 49ers hold the 11th overall pick. Miller projects them to select Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons with that pick.
"Christian McCaffrey's injury issues were the headline for the 49ers' offensive woes this season, yet their offensive line was a mess and will be a priority fix for general manager John Lynch," Miller wrote. "The 49ers made a great selection on guard Dominick Puni in the third round of the 2024 draft, but a plug-and-play right tackle who could eventually take over for All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams could be the next step. Simmons is recovering from a torn ACL suffered Oct. 12, but he was in the mix to be the first tackle off the board prior to getting hurt."
In Miller's mock draft, Simmons is the third offensive lineman selected, following LSU's Will Campbell (New York Jets, No. 7) and Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr. (Chicago Bears, No. 10).
In the second round, Miller has the 49ers selecting North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel, a player he believes could be a long-term replacement for Brendel at center.
"The 49ers could address the offensive line again to try to further fix that problem unit," Miller explained. "Zabel has played tackle, guard and center, but I think he fits best inside, where his toughness and awareness could make him a star. He turned heads during Senior Bowl practices."
If the 49ers spend their first two picks on offensive linemen, the move would likely be well-received by fans who endured a shaky unit this past season. Purdy, too, would welcome the reinforcements, as improved protection could be crucial to helping the 49ers bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
3-round mock draft: 49ers use first two picks to bolster offense
The San Francisco 49ers entered the season with several roster concerns, and mounting injuries have only amplified those issues. The defensive line has been hit hard with the losses of Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, and others, leaving the 49ers thin up front. Meanwhile, the pass... -
49ers overlook size concerns, add skilled receiver in The Athletic's 2026 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers could be in the market for a first-round wide receiver when the 2026 NFL Draft arrives. Brandon Aiyuk's future remains uncertain, and many around the league believe the veteran wideout has likely played his final snap for the 49ers—even after signing a... -
49ers bolster interior D-line in new 2026 NFL mock draft
Josh Edwards has released his newest 2026 NFL mock draft for CBS Sports, projecting the San Francisco 49ers to strengthen a major area of need—the interior of their defensive line. Despite significant investments in the position group this year, Edwards has head coach Kyle... -
2026 mock draft: 49ers target 6-4 receiver with 'massive catch radius'
With speculation growing that the relationship between the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk may be nearing its end, early 2026 mock drafts are beginning to focus on potential replacements for the former first-round pick. Aiyuk is still recovering from the...