Banks would offer an immediate upgrade to an offensive line that many believe has been neglected in recent years. He'd bolster protection for quarterback Brock Purdy while serving as a potential successor to left tackle Trent Williams, who turns 37 ahead of the 2025 season.
"The 49ers had the oldest starting offense in the NFL last season (average age of 28.7), and succession plans are needed," Reid wrote. "An heir apparent for left tackle Trent Williams is an obvious place to start after backup Jaylon Moore signed with the Chiefs. Banks was a starter at Texas right after arriving as a freshman, playing all but three snaps of his career at left tackle.
"He allowed only four pressures on 510 pass-blocking snaps in 2024, though three came in an October loss to Georgia. Banks would immediately compete with Colton McKivitz at right tackle before potentially taking over for Williams."
In the second round, Reid has the 49ers continuing to strengthen the trenches, selecting Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr. with the No. 43 overall pick. It's a notable projection, as Pearce has appeared in the first round of many other mock drafts. He falls in this one.
"The 49ers need edge help opposite Nick Bosa, and Pearce's 19.0% pressure rate was second in the FBS last season," Reid noted. "His draft stock is all over the place, with the scouts I've talked to having Pearce going off the board anywhere from the late teens to the late second round."
In the third round, Reid has San Francisco adding offensive depth by selecting Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson at No. 75, then returning to addressing the trenches with Indiana defensive tackle CJ West at No. 100.
"Johnson is a perfect match for Kyle Shanahan's outside zone scheme as a one-cut-and-go running back with big-play ability," Reid wrote.
On West, he added, "West is an underrated interior defender with the potential to turn into an NFL starter pretty quickly. He had at least seven tackles for loss in each of the past four seasons."
The 49ers continue to build out their roster in the later rounds, adding a cornerback, defensive tackle, linebacker, wide receiver, quarterback, another offensive lineman, and even a kicker.
Here are all 11 of Reid's projected picks for San Francisco:
Round 1, Pick 11: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Round 2, Pick 43: James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee
Round 3, Pick 75: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Round 3, Pick 100: CJ West, DT, Indiana
Round 4, Pick 113: Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
Round 4, Pick 138: Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas
Round 5, Pick 147: Cam Jackson, DT, Florida
Round 5, Pick 160: Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame
Round 7, Pick 227: Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana
Round 7, Pick 249: Willie Lampkin, C, North Carolina
Round 7, Pick 252: Ryan Fitzgerald, K, Florida State
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