Ever since the San Francisco 49ers grabbed wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in free agency, NFL Draft analysts and pundits have shifted their mocks for the Niners from grabbing a wideout in Round 1 to addressing another key need: offensive tackle.
It makes sense. The Niners are currently locked in a stalemate with stalwart left tackle Trent Williams over a contract dispute, and there doesn't appear to be any resolution in site. And with him turning 38 years old this summer, a long-term heir apparent is necessary anyway.
So, it makes sense why it's not hard to find many a mock draft tabbing Williams' replacement to San Francisco at No. 27 overall.
Outside of a pass-rusher, and a safety to a lesser extent, it's a credible argument. Williams can't hang around forever.
However, NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco isn't buying the idea the 49ers will use that first-round pick on an offensive lineman at all. In fact, Maiocco's argument is the Niners table that need until much, much later in the draft.
Matt Maiocco suggests 49ers won't address O-line until Round 4 of NFL Draft
Having done some of his own mocks for San Francisco -- and it's important to point out how well plugged-in he is with the front office -- Maiocco is countering the argument about the O-line being the 49ers' top priority.
"Every time I say '49ers edge rusher at 27,' I get this incredible blowback from people going, 'no, it has to be an offensive lineman,'" Maiocco told fellow NBC Sports Bay Area's Jennifer Lee Chan on the 49ers Talk Podcast. "Here's the thing. If they took an offensive tackle, that player is not starting as a rookie, which is fine. ... But if they take an offensive tackle, he's not starting unless something disastrous happens with Trent Williams."
Maiocco admitted the Niners could grab a tackle in Round 1 if they truly are planning on moving Williams. He just doesn't see it as a likely outcome.
Instead, the San Francisco insider suggested if there is an O-lineman to grab in the draft, it probably wouldn't be until Round 4. And such a player wouldn't be asked to start right away.