It’ll be tough to pass up Mizzouri’s right tackle if you’re the 49ers
The NFL Scouting Combine begins Tuesday in Indianapolis, with John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan representing the 49ers side by side. Player visits and potential free-agent departures help clarify the team’s needs. This offseason is undoubtedly important for the 49ers in the draft following a 6-11 finish in 2024.
Gennaro Filice of NFL Network has released his latest mock draft and believes the 49ers will address the trenches with pick 11. OT Armand Membou from Missouri is the selection, but his skill set and length most likely translate to the guard position instead of offensive tackle.
Over 1,036 pass-blocking snaps in his three years at Missouri, Membou allowed three sacks, 24 hurries, and 27 pressures, primarily at right tackle. 2024 was a banner year for Membou after allowing zero sacks over 411 pass-blocking snaps and finishing with career-high grades offensively (90.4), pass-blocking (85.5), and run-blocking (87.6).
Here are Felice’s thoughts on the right tackle from Missouri.
With LG Aaron Banks hitting free agency, RT Colton McKivitz entering a contract year and LT Trent Williams approaching his 37th birthday, San Francisco has to reinvest in the offensive line. Membou thrived in the SEC as a right tackle — he didn’t allow a single sack in 2024, per Pro Football Focus, yielding a grand total of nine pressures in 12 games — but he also carries length questions that could prompt a move inside. No matter: That’d give the 49ers a stellar guard combo, with this mauler from Missouri joining last year’s third-round steal out of Kansas, Dominick Puni.
The 49ers have the chance to fortify the offensive line to protect Brock Purdy, who is due for a contract extension this offseason. McKivitz has provided value with his low-cost contract but could be on the move next offseason. The center position also needs to be addressed with Jake Brendel’s performance last season. Will the 49ers address center with a free agent signing (Drew Dalman?) or look in-house after poaching former Atlanta Falcon Matt Hennessy from their practice squad?
There are a few solutions to fix the offensive line, whether that is fully in the draft or a combination of the draft and free agency. The flexibility given the 49ers’ cap situation is one of the more interesting discussions during the offseason, and it will be interesting to find out who the 49ers meet with next week in Indianapolis.
This critical offseason has started on the right foot with the additions of Robert Saleh and replacing Brian Schneider as Special Teams coordinator. Shanahan’s presence at the combine is the first sign of the front office being fully dug in on attacking this offseason and retooling the roster.
Pick 11 is interesting because the team can go in a few directions, but I don’t think many will complain if the 49ers address the trenches on either side of the ball with the high first-round pick in the NFL Draft.
What is your dream pick at number 11? Let us know in the comments!