The 49ers’ Commitment to a Strong Offensive Line
The San Francisco 49ers have been actively investing in their offensive line for the past five years, drafting seven linemen and maintaining six of them on the roster through the 2024 season. However, the team is far from satisfied. With quarterback Brock Purdy poised to receive a lucrative, long-term contract extension, the 49ers are determined to continue strengthening their offensive line to ensure he remains well-protected. The offensive line is a critical component of any team’s success, and the 49ers are aware that maintaining a solid front five is essential for sustaining their competitive edge.
Anticipated Changes and Free Agency
While the 49ers have made significant strides in building their offensive line, change is inevitable. The team does not expect all five starters to return next season, creating openings that need to be filled. Guard Aaron Banks, a second-round pick in 2021, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent and is likely to secure a substantial contract elsewhere. The high cost of signing veteran offensive linemen in free agency means that the 49ers will need to be strategic in addressing their needs, especially with limited financial resources. The 2025 NFL Draft, with its depth and talent pool, offers a more cost-effective and potentially rewarding solution.
The Draft as a Path to Improvement
The 49ers are well-positioned to capitalize on the 2025 NFL Draft, with seven picks in the first four rounds. This abundance of selections provides multiple opportunities to add significant contributors to the offensive line. However, building a strong offensive line is a gradual process. Draft picks often require one or two seasons to develop into reliable starters. For instance, Aaron Banks played just five snaps as a rookie before transitioning into a starting role in his second year. Dominick Puni, a 2024 third-round pick, is a rare exception, moving into the starting lineup early in training camp and starting all 17 games as a rookie. The 49ers will need to balance immediate needs with long-term development to build a cohesive and effective offensive line.
Learning from the Best: The Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles, who recently won Super Bowl LIX, offer a valuable blueprint for the 49ers. The Eagles have built one of the NFL’s top offensive lines without selecting a starter in the first round for over a decade. In 2013, they used the No. 4 overall pick on right tackle Lane Johnson, a six-time Pro Bowl selection. In 2018, they selected Jordan Mailata in the seventh round, who started 10 games at left tackle as a rookie and has been their starter ever since. Left guard Landon Dickerson, a second-round pick in 2021, and center Cam Jurgens, a second-round pick in 2022, have also contributed significantly. The Eagles’ success demonstrates that drafting and developing lineman at various stages of the draft can yield excellent results.
Current Roster and Free Agency Implications
The 49ers have four starters on the offensive line under contract for next season: left tackle Trent Williams, center Jake Brendel, guard Dominick Puni, and right tackle Colton McKivitz. However, the team will need to address the impending free agency of Aaron Banks and backups Jaylon Moore and Ben Bartch. Nick Zakelj, Matt Hennessy, and Drake Nugent, who are currently backups, could also play a role along the interior of the offensive line. The 49ers will need to carefully evaluate their needs and consider both draft and free agency options to ensure a balanced and competitive offensive line.
Strategic Draft Picks and Future Prospects
With their first-round pick at No. 11 overall, the 49ers could target a high-impact offensive tackle. Prospective candidates include Josh Simmons of Ohio State, Will Campbell of LSU, and Kelvin Banks of Texas. The depth of the draft class extends beyond the first round, offering the 49ers multiple opportunities to add quality linemen in later rounds. The team’s ability to identify and develop talent, as seen with Dominick Puni, will be crucial in building a strong and sustainable offensive line. As the 49ers look to the future, they will need to balance immediate needs with long-term development, ensuring that they field a competitive and resilient team that can support Brock Purdy and achieve their championship aspirations.
