What Position Will the 49ers Draft in Round 1?

Until the 49ers extended Colton McKivitz's contract, most analysts expected the 49ers to spend their first-round pick on an offensive tackle this year.

Now it seems the 49ers view McKivitz as their starting right tackle through 2025. Sure, they could take another offensive tackle with pick no. 31 and sit him for a couple years, but the 49ers need starters at other positions. So I'd be shocked if they take an offensive tackle in Round 1. Which is too bad, because this year's class of offensive tackles is outstanding, and there's a high probability the 49ers could draft someone better than McKivitz.

But unless the 49ers acquire an edge rusher during free agency, they'll need a three-down immediate starter at that position. So right now, it seems most likely the 49ers will draft a defensive end in Round 1.

Even though Kyle Shanahan is an offensive coach, he builds his team around his defense. That's why he blamed the defense for losing the Super Bowl and not the offense, even though the defense gave up just 25 points to the Chiefs and the offense scored a mere 22 points. The defense is held to a much higher standard.

So if the 49ers don't acquire an edge rusher, it's almost certain they'll draft one in Round 1.

But let's say the 49ers trade for Haason Reddick or Josh Sweat. In that case, they would not draft a defensive end in Round 1. Instead, they might draft a right guard. That's the one position on the offensive line that isn't settled. And it's not outrageous to draft a guard at the end of Round 1, because that's basically the beginning of Round2.

Still, it would be nice if the 49ers would draft an offensive tackle for a change.