Will the 49ers Trade Up in Round 1 for an Offensive Tackle?
The last time the 49ers needed an offensive tackle and had a first-round pick, they took Mike McGlinchey in the top 10. Not a great selection, but it showed they value the position.
Now the 49ers need a right tackle again. Mike McGlinchey is on the Broncos, and his replacement, Colton McKivitz, is more of a backup than a starter. The 49ers haven't been able to truly replace McGlinchey until this year, because they spent their first-round picks in 2021, 2022 and 2023 on Trey Lance. Now they finally have a first-round pick again, and they almost have to spend it on a right tackle who can start right away for a Super Contender.
Here's the good news: This is a good year to draft an offensive tackle. The class is talented and deep, which means the 49ers could stay at pick no. 31 and draft an offensive tackle who's better than McGlinchey.
But the 49ers might want to get someone truly special to play right tackle. Considering all the five-wide formations with empty backfields the 49ers used in the Super Bowl, they're going to need a right tackle who can function one on one in space like a left tackle.
Which means the 49ers could decide to package their first-round pick and their second-round pick together to jump into the top 20 for the best offensive tackle available -- potentially Amarius Mims from Georgia, who was one of the most athletic players in the NFL Scouting Combine.
The 49ers currently have 11 picks and don't need all of them. Don't be surprised if they trade up.
