The San Francisco 49ers made a costly move in the 2021 NFL Draft, trading up to the No. 3 spot to select quarterback Trey Lance. That decision could have been disastrous for the organization if not for the unexpected emergence of Brock Purdy, whom they selected with the final pick of the following year's draft.

While ESPN analyst Field Yates doesn't expect the 49ers to make a similarly significant trade in next week's draft, he does see a scenario where general manager John Lynch might consider moving up to secure one of the top offensive tackle prospects.


"If Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders goes third overall to the Giants, the chain reaction would likely include the Patriots taking Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter or Colorado receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter," Yates explained in a feature for ESPN.com. "That means the top two offensive tackles -- LSU's Will Campbell and Missouri's Armand Membou -- could reach the eighth pick of the draft."

The 49ers currently hold the No. 11 overall pick, just three spots later, which could make a trade-up feasible and much more affordable than the one in 2021.

"Should that be the case, would San Francisco -- with its major offensive line need -- consider leapfrogging the Bears at No. 10 to draft one of them?" Yates asked. "The 49ers have a lot of holes to fill throughout the draft, but they also have 11 picks to work with -- tied for the most."

Most expect the 49ers to address the trenches early in the draft. While the defensive line took a hit this offseason with the departures of Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Leonard Floyd, the offensive line also needs reinforcements.

Left guard Aaron Banks left in free agency, and the team must identify a successor to left tackle Trent Williams, who turns 37 ahead of the 2025 season. That eventual replacement could start immediately at right tackle, offering a potential upgrade over Colton McKivitz until Williams retires.


It will be interesting to see how the top 10 selections unfold and whether any surprises prompt the 49ers to make an aggressive move to strengthen their offensive front.

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