Predicting 49ers offensive line depth chart after adding Alex Mack
By Peter Panacy
49ers O-line offseason storylines to watch
The dual moves of re-signing Trent Williams and the Niners moving up to No. 3 overall in the NFL Draft, all but assuredly with the intent of drafting a quarterback, essentially means they won’t be taking an offensive lineman in Round 1 this April as many a pre-trade mock draft suggested.
Yet there are likely to be more than a handful of starting-caliber linemen available in the later rounds, and it’s perfectly reasonable to assume San Francisco stocks up by taking advantage of this deep O-line class.
Will 49ers grab an O-lineman on Days 2 and 3 of the NFL Draft?
The 49ers have eight remaining picks after Round 1, including one for both the second and third rounds. Plus five more on day three of the draft.
Some of the prospects worth watching here are:
- Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma
- Trey Smith, Tennessee
- Aaron Banks, Notre Dame
- James Hudson, Cincinnati
- Ryan McCollum, Texas A&M
It’s possible the Niners are eyeing potential long-term replacements for Laken Tomlinson and/or Mike McGlinchey, and the backup spots behind the presumed starters appear to be completely up for grabs, too.
Who winds up being the 49ers’ swing tackle?
If San Francisco grabs a tackle somewhat early in the draft, it could be an indication it wants an improvement over swing-tackle candidates, Justin Skule and Shon Coleman, who’ll both battle for a roster spot anyway this offseason.
Skule showed only modest improvements his second year at the NFL level, frequently going back and forth as a fill-in starter with the 2020 rookie, Colton McKivitz, while Coleman hasn’t played a regular-season snap since 2017 and had been absent from the roster since 2018 due to both injury and his opt-out.
Addressing interior depth?
Williams and Alex Mack have both been notably durable despite being on the wrong side of 30 years old, but a lengthy injury to either player could be disastrous for the team’s chances this season.
It appears as if the 49ers are willing to bid farewell to backup center Ben Garland, who adequately filled in for Weston Richburg late in 2019 and early in 2020 but missed the bulk of last year with a calf injury. While the versatile Daniel Brunskill managed to hold his own at center down the stretch, it was more than evident he’s a better fit at guard.
Look for the Niners to make some roster changes here via the draft.