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49ers Select Top Offensive Tackle in Latest Mock Draft

Strengthening the offensive line needs to be a top priority for the 49ers this offseason, which is why they are selecting this top offensive tackle in the latest mock draft.
Jose Sanchez|
Dec 29, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Josh Simmons (71) blocks Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Darius Robinson (6) during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Dec 29, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Josh Simmons (71) blocks Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Darius Robinson (6) during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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San Francisco 49ers

Strengthening the offensive line needs to be a top priority for the San Francisco 49ers this offseason.

Starting left guard Aaron Banks is a free agent and will likely sign with another team. Center Jake Brendel is mediocre, right tackle Colton McKivitz is subpar, and Trent Williams is closing in on retirement. The 49ers need to boost their offensive line.

That is why Pro Football Network's Jacob Infante has the 49ers selecting Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons as their No. 11 pick in their latest mock draft. Simmons is one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the draft. Here is what Infante had to say on the selection of Simmons.

"With Trent Williams turning 37 this summer and their offensive line wavering in 2024, the 49ers find themselves in a good spot to invest heavily in hog-mollies early in the 2025 NFL Draft. Had Josh Simmons not gotten injured in the regular season, one could argue he was on his way into the OT1 conversation. Regardless, he may claim that title in April because he is a tremendous mover for the position with great body control and a high football IQ."

Simmons earned himself an exceptional grade (74.4) this past season from Pro Football Focus. He excels as a pass blocker, an area the 49ers need to be stronger at. However, Simmons only played in six games in his final college season.

A knee injury in mid-Oct. ended his year with him needing surgery. That can be a red flag to the 49ers even if he is closing in on being 100 percent. Injuries hadn't played a significant factor for Simmons until then. Drafting a player as high as No. 11 must be a sound selection.

Simmons might not be sound with his injury occurring just four months ago. He will be six months removed from the injury by the time the NFL draft commences. It's probably best for the 49ers not to take that risk and go with another top offensive tackle prospect.

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Jose Luis Sanchez III
JOSE SANCHEZ

Jose Luis Sanchez III has covered the San Francisco 49ers daily for FanNation since 2019. He started off as the lead publisher for FanNation's All49ers, then switched positions to become the Deputy Editor in 2020. Sanchez writes, edits, and produces videos daily for All49ers. He also co-hosts a show on YouTube with All49ers lead publisher Grant Cohn weekly. Prior to FanNation, Sanchez started his writing career back in 2016 for the school newspaper at Skyline college where he covered all sports team in the Bay Area. Following that from 2017 to 2019, he found a role as a contributor for FanSided's news desk along with their site's Just Blog Baby covering the Las Vegas Raiders and Golden Gate Sports every professional Bay Area sports team. Atop all of that, he was able to graduate with a Bachelors degree in Communication Studies at San Francisco State University in 2020. Sanchez is committed to ensuring he delivers transparent analysis and straightforward opinions that resonates with readers to get them thinking.

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