4 positions 49ers are unlikely to draft for in 2021

No. 1: 49ers Defensive Tackle

Yes, it looks as if 2021 will buck the trend of the 49ers selecting a defensive lineman in Round 1, the only other exception since 2014 being the 2018 addition of Mike McGlinchey.

And there’s a possibility, too, the Niners pass on adding an interior defensive lineman throughout the entire draft. After all, San Francisco was willing to let its 2017 first-round pick, Solomon Thomas, walk in free agency even though he managed to secure himself a decent role as a rotational player.

More from SF 49ers Draft

• Predicting 49ers NFL Draft picks by looking at final mocks
• DraftKings NFL Draft Promo – Win $150 Guaranteed on Any $5 Bet 
• 2023 NFL Draft: EDGE Byron Young could be impact player for 49ers
• 5 low-key NFL Draft options for 49ers who are flying under the radar
• 2023 mock NFL Draft 3.0: Final 11th-hour edition (with trades)

The 49ers’ interior D-line depth is solid enough as is right now, particularly after re-signing nose tackle D.J. Jones and bringing aboard fellow defensive tackle Zach Kerr in free agency.

True, there’s a need to bolster the outside pass rush, so an edge rusher is a likely priority at some or various points throughout the draft. Particularly with EDGE Dee Ford still very much questionable to contribute after missing all but one game last season because of a back injury.

Even then, the Niners are going to want to move defensive end Arik Armstead to a bigger inside role this season while also banking on the second-year maturation of their 2020 first-round selection, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.

As weird as it may seem, don’t look for San Francisco to focus much effort on its interior D-line depth.

The 2021 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 29.