49ers 4-round mock draft with surprising Trey Lance trade

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 04: Offensive lineman Darnell Wright of Tennessee speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

. Offensive Tackle. Volunteers . Darnell Wright. 42. player. 839

Round 2, Pick No. 42 Overall: 49ers select OT Darnell Wright

Shortly after former right tackle Mike McGlinchey packed his bags and headed to Denver, news broke that the franchise we’re looking to move him during the last off-season. In light of that news, it would be safe to say that John Lynch had no intention of re-signing McGlinchey long before he put pen to paper for the Broncos.

While considering that news, two things come to mind. One, why was there no successor put in place for when he left? And two, the likelihood of them trading up and selecting an offensive tackle after netting a high pick becomes a greater possibility.

The talent in this year’s draft at offensive tackle is thin. That’s why if you’re going to pull the trigger on a trade to move up, you spend that early pick on the offensive line.

My first draft film room of the 2023 OL class was with Darnell Wright. We covered a wide range of topics from his career in Knoxville to detailed breakdowns of matchups with Will Anderson, BJ Ojulari and more: https://t.co/Mk5L8ghLTo
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) March 30, 2023

With any luck, when the 49ers pick in the second round, Wright will be there. The former Tennessee product is big, durable, and versatile.

With over 2700 snaps in his college career at both tackle positions Wright could make a difference in a hurry. In his senior season on the right side, Wright provided the ultimate in quarterback protection by surrendering zero quarterback sacks in 829 snaps.

Pairing Wright with All-Pro tackle Trent Williams will provide the ultimate protection on the outside. Adding in the interior front that already exists will give quarterback Brock Purdy an absolute wall to stand in front of. He’ll have all the time he needs to go through his progressions and safety will not be an issue.