A mass exodus of talent in free agency, and low-end additions, has opened up a lot of needs for the San Francisco 49ers with the 2025 NFL Draft visible on the horizon. Having 11 total picks this year will help the plan to make the roster younger and cheaper.
The Niners are truly in the position to go "best player available" at No. 11 overall, whoever that might be and whatever position he plays.
Even a position that isn't an urgent need.
In his new mock draft after the first week of free agency, ESPN's Mel Kiper (subscription required) had San Francisco taking Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou:
"In case you missed it, the 49ers suddenly have a lot of needs. A snippet of the key losses over the past week: Charvarius Ward, Leonard Floyd, Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, Javon Hargrave and Deebo Samuel Sr. That's a bunch of talent walking out the door, and the Niners could really address any of those spots."
"But San Francisco also is working to extend quarterback Brock Purdy, and building up the offensive line in front of him has to be a priority. Aaron Banks and Jaylon Moore signed elsewhere, and Trent Williams -- who has two years left on his deal -- will be 37 this coming season. Membou is my top-ranked tackle in the class, and I see him sliding in on the right side, where he started 30 games in college. He also could play guard at a high level early in his career, however, then transition to left tackle down the road."
49ers land successor to Trent Williams in Mel Kiper's new mock
Membou played right tackle over his three seasons at Missouri, but his ultimate position in the NFL is somewhat up in the air. For San Francisco, he would be a significant upgrade over Colton McKivitz at right tackle. As Kiper noted, he could start his NFL career inside at guard. But if right guard would be his ideal spot, the 49ers don't have an issue there with Dominick Puni not going anywhere after a nice rookie season where he finished as Pro Football Focus' sixth-highest graded guard.
As Kiper also hinted, Membou could play left tackle eventually. The Niners obviously don't have an immediate hole there, with Trent Williams still among the best offensive tackles in the league. But the 11-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer will turn 37 years old in July, he missed the final seven games last season due to an ankle injury and continuing to play has easily become something of a year-to-year proposition for him.
There's an argument offensive line is not on the list of San Francisco's top needs. But Membou is the ideal of mix of someone who would likely start immediately to fortify a critical area, then potentially make a position switch to take over for one of the best players on the team when that time comes.
