The 49ers opted not to address their biggest need in this year’s draft. They needed to figure out what they’re doing long-term at both offensive tackle spots. Instead that need will roll over into the 2025 draft, and at that point they’ll have to go about attacking it with gusto early in the selection process.
This year there wasn’t a player the team deemed worthy of a first-round pick when their choice came around at No. 31 overall. Instead of forcing an offensive tackle they bolstered their short and long-term depth at other key areas.
In the 2024 draft that was fine. They still have Trent Williams playing like the best left tackle in the sport, and right tackle Colton McKivitz wasn’t an abject disaster in his first season as the 49ers’ starting RT. They should be fine this year without a rookie OT.
Beyond 2024 is where things get dicey, and it’s unlikely the 49ers will be able to go another draft without addressing OT early. Williams turns 36 before training camp and McKivitz hasn’t proven to be a long-term option at RT, much less the heir apparent to Williams.
Perhaps McKivitz lights it up in his second full season as a starting tackle and gives the 49ers some added flexibility. Barring a dramatic leap from him though San Francisco is going to be in a spot where finding an upgrade at RT who could conceivably flip to the left side in the post-Williams era. It simply has to be their No. 1 priority, to the point that trading up may be required.
With Brock Purdy’s contract coming up, the 49ers will have to shift how their roster is constructed. Finding an OT who is on a rookie scale contract for four years could be paramount to building out a Super Bowl contender with an expensive QB and some of the team’s other high-priced players at other positions.
It’s not going to be easy, to be sure. The 49ers figure to be picking late in the draft where high-quality OTs don’t typically fall. That’s why a trade up may become a necessity. It would certainly be worth it though if they identify a prospect who can fill their needs at both tackle spots. Skipping it this year was fine, but next offseason it will top their list of needs again and next offseason will be the time to go address it.
