While the O-line is justifably considered the biggest need for the 49ers in the draft, a tackle may not be a viable choice at No. 11. But what if they went in a different direction?
It goes without saying that the San Francisco 49ers should be focusing a lot on the trenches when it comes to the offseason, and it's a common thing to see a tackle mocked to the team at No. 11 in the 2025 NFL Draft.
It makes sense, but it's becoming clear it may not be logical.
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Why? Because, unfortunately, this is a very weak tackle class and only two tackles may even be worth taking at this juncture. LSU tackle Will Campbell and Texas tackle Kelvin Banks are by no means the best tackle prospects seen in recent years, but they're good bets to be at least solid pros and will be sought by teams.
And that's the issue, there are a lot of teams ahead of the Niners that need blocking. This isn't to say one or both can't be there at No. 11 for San Francisco, but the high need for left tackles in the NFL make it a difficult if not impractical situation at best.
But, San Francisco still needs a big upgrade on the offensive line, and this is where Tyler Booker comes into play.
Guard is not considered as important as tackle, but an elite guard can still help anchor a line for 10 to 15 years. The 6-foot-5, 352-pound guard is a truly powerful blocker equally adept at pass or run protection. We're talking about someone with the potential to be a Week 1 starter who can play at a high level.
#Alabama iOL Tyler Booker has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. He only allowed one sack during his three-year career. pic.twitter.com/tqFIonVaQ8
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) January 3, 2025
Think of someone like Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson, a high draft pick who paid off from the first game. This is type of ceiling Booker has in the NFL, and it would be much more preferable to take an elite prospect at perhaps a less-touted position than to reach for the third- or fourth-best tackle on the board just to satisfy need.
Maybe not the most conventional route, but anything that would help protect quarterback Brock Purdy and blast open lanes for the 49ers running backs surely can't be seen as a bad selection.