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49ers bolster O-line in Sports Illustraded’s too-early 2021 mock NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Offensive lineman Trey Smith #73 of the Tennessee Volunteers warming up before the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida won the game 47-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Offensive lineman Trey Smith #73 of the Tennessee Volunteers warming up before the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida won the game 47-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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The 2020 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror, but the San Francisco 49ers are already being linked to offensive line help in Sports Illustrated’s too-early 2021 mock.

In some ways, it’s more fun to look back at what the San Francisco 49ers did in the NFL Draft over the years in relation to mock drafts dished out weeks, sometimes even months before.

Or a year out, which is the case for Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Hanson, who dished out a way-too-early 2021 mock NFL Draft for Round 1. And while fans are probably glad to be rid of all those mocks for 2020, it’s never overly too soon to start thinking about what could happen a year from now based on what we know from teams’ current situations.

The Niners could go one of many different directions a year from now, largely contingent on the team’s actions with re-sign candidates and free agency. But Hanson figures San Francisco’s offensive line will be the first priority.

His selection at No. 31 overall? Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith:

"Bouncing back from a health scare (blood clots in his lungs), Smith was a first-team All-SEC selection at left guard last year. One of the top overall prospects in the 2017 recruiting cycle, Smith has started 31 games and has inside-out versatility at both guard and tackle."

Smith primarily played at tackle with the Volunteers before his health scare, and it’s likely that’s what he’ll do in 2020. But the initial scouting reports break down a much better fit along the interior at guard, which is what the 49ers would probably want to do here anyway.

This selection is also contingent on Smith’s effectiveness and overall ability to come back from the health scare.

Aside from that, though (which is big), Smith is still viewed as one of the best O-line prospects coming out in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Now, what about San Francisco’s needs?

It’s likely the Niners would peg a player like Smith to occupy one of the two guard spots over the long run. Left guard Laken Tomlinson has been both serviceable and reliable since joining the squad in 2017. But he’ll also enter a contract year in 2021, and the 49ers could save $5 million against the cap with $1.25 million in dead money, making Tomlinson a possible cap casualty.

On the right side, San Francisco inked former New York Jets guard Tom Compton in free agency, and he’ll compete with backup lineman Daniel Brunskill for the starting nod this season.

Yet Smith could end up being an upgrade over both.

If there’s a bit of a surprise to the idea of going O-line first, it might be the lack of secondary priorities. Defensive backs Richard Sherman, Jaquiski Tartt, Ahkello Witherspoon and K’Waun Williams are all entering contract years, and it’ll be tough for the Niners to re-sign all four of those players.

So it wouldn’t be shocking to see upcoming mocks tout defensive backs over offensive linemen early in the NFL Draft.

Next. 3 players 49ers should have selected in 2020 NFL Draft. dark

We’re sure you’ll see plenty of other mocks coming your way between now and April 2021, though.