49ers depth chart: Post-NFL Draft 53-man roster prediction for 2021

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San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

49ers Offensive line (8)

LT Trent Williams

LG Laken Tomlinson

C Alex Mack

RG Aaron Banks

RT Mike McGlinchey

OT/OG/C Daniel Brunskill

OG Colton McKivitz

OG/OT Jaylon Moore

The offensive line has been a much-improved unit during this offseason, mostly on the strength of making sure that left tackle Trent Williams didn’t leave for the Kansas City Chiefs. Signing veteran center Alex Mack also help in that regard, too.

But it was the second-round selection of former Notre Dame starter Aaron Banks that should help to solidify the entire unit, even beyond the starters.

Banks should be given the opportunity to start right away, something I’d expected barring a major setback for the rookie. This means Daniel Brunskill, who has started games at almost every spot along the line during his 49ers tenure, moves into his best role: offensive line supersub.

Having a more able-bodied starter next to him at right guard could also improve right tackle Mike McGlinchey’s play as he enters his fifth year in the NFL. The former first-round draft pick struggled mightily in pass protection in 2020 and in order to earn himself a long-term contract, he’ll need to perform better in 2021.

The depth beyond that, at least at this point, is quite young, with second-year man Colton McKivitz and rookie fifth-round pick Jaylon Moore out of Western Michigan serving as fill-ins at various positions along the line.

There are certainly other, more experienced players the Niners could keep around to fill in the depth, such as veteran swing tackle Shon Coleman or Justin Skule, but I’m guessing San Francisco will choose to go younger and develop untapped talent over known quantities.