With the draft just weeks away, the 49ers have multiple directions they could take. While general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan this week expressed confidence in their current group of offensive linemen, at least three key factors could push them toward reinforcing the unit: the departure of Aaron Banks, upgrading at right tackle, and the reality that Trent Williams will be 37 at the start of the season.
After finishing the 2024 season with a disappointing 6-11 record, the 49ers hold the 11th overall pick in this year's draft. Zierlein has two offensive tackles coming off the board before San Francisco is on the clock—Will Campbell to the New England Patriots and Armand Membou to the New York Jets. However, he predicts Lynch and Shanahan will use their first-round selection on Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.
Adding Banks would provide an immediate upgrade at right tackle, where Colton McKivitz is currently slated to start, while also giving the 49ers a potential long-term successor to their future Hall of Fame left tackle.
"Banks has the ability to slide over and take on the right tackle spot as a rookie -- and he could make the switch back to left tackle when Trent Williams hangs it up," Zierlein wrote.
Banks (6-5, 315) has played exclusively at left tackle over the past three seasons, earning a career-best 89.9 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) in 2024, ranking fourth in the nation among offensive tackles.
Over 538 pass-blocking snaps (935 total snaps), he allowed just one sack and 10 total pressures, while also posting career-high PFF grades of 81.0 in run blocking and 86.2 overall.
"Three-year starter who has gone to battle in the trenches with current and future pros," Zierlein wrote in his NFL.com draft profile. "Banks will come into the league as an early starter but his run blocking is more pro-ready than his pass protection. He's technically sound and scrappy in the ground game, with the quickness and athleticism to get to all move blocks. He has the leverage and strain to hold his own at the point.
"Banks has the slide quickness to deal with speed, but he must become more proactive in attacking power rushers and long-limbed attackers to prevent them from dictating the terms. He needs to improve his anchor and hand placement but he should become a long-time NFL starter at either tackle or guard."
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