Bandits successfully snatched away two highly desired picks of the 49ers in the upcoming draft.
NFL Draft 2025 Disappointment: 49ers Fumble Offensive Line Upgrades
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers had a rocky ride. Although they scored some hits, they couldn't snag their desired offensive tackles, leaving them scrambling for a solution.
As the second night of the draft unfolded, the 49ers seemed poised to secure their Brock Purdy protector from Texas Tech's Caleb Rogers or William & Mary's Charles Grant. However, the crafty Raiders swooped in, grabbing Rogers at No. 98 and Grant at 99 - leaving the 49ers in a lurch.
With their pick at No. 100 on the third round's tail end, the 49ers were forced to select Western Kentucky defensive back Upton Stout, rounding out their offensive tackle-less draft for the next seven picks.
The 49ers' Offensive Line Struggles Post-Draft
The 49ers seemed to be on the right track, picking up an edge rusher with their first pick and following up with a defensive tackle and linebacker. However, their offensive line plans went awry, with no tackle added at No. 100.
General manager John Lynch conceded post-draft that there had been multiple opportunities to grab an offensive tackle, but things simply didn't align. The 49ers favored taking players they were truly interested in rather than rushing to fill a void.
After the draft, the 49ers signed veteran tackle D.J. Humphries. Although he brings a winning personality to the locker room, Humphries' prime is behind him, and he's struggled with injuries in recent years.
Rising Concerns for the 49ers O-Line
The 49ers' failure to invest in their offensive line early in the draft raised concerns among analysts. Despite losing starting left guard Aaron Banks in free agency and facing long-term questions about Trent Williams' successor at left tackle, the 49ers remained reluctant to shake up their established lineup[1][4].
Their approach leans heavily on existing personnel and late additions, with Humphries providing a low-risk option at tackle[2]. However, this strategy risks relying on unproven depth to backstop aging starters, particularly at tackle, where no clear succession plan for Williams emerged from their draft strategy[1][4].
[1] Ana Navas: "San Francisco 49ers: What we learned from the 2025 NFL Draft" — The Mercury News
[2] Daniel Harrington: "Kyle Shanahan not backing away from current offensive line after 49ers draft" — NBC Sports Bay Area
[4] Eric Pinkus: "San Francisco 49ers: 2025 NFL Draft final grades and analysis" — SFGATE
Interesting Finds
- The 49ers' offensive line strategy focuses on a mix of existing personnel and late additions, with an avoidance of high draft investments[1][4].
- D.J. Humphries' signing offers a low-risk option at tackle, although he hasn't been explicitly tied to the vacant left tackle position[1].
- The 49ers seem content with their existing line, which played "at a pretty high level" according to head coach Kyle Shanahan[2]. However, this reluctance to overhaul could leave them vulnerable to aging starters and long-term succession questions[4][2].
- The San Francisco 49ers, despite their draft disappointment, signed veteran tackle D.J. Humphries as a backup, but concerns remain about his injury history and declining prime.
- The 49ers' draft strategy focused on later-round picks and existing personnel, missing out on addressing the offensive line concerns, specifically the vacant left tackle position.
- Although the 49ers' offensive line played at a high level in the previous season, their reluctance to invest in the NFL Draft could expose them to aging starters and long-term succession issues.
- Despite not investing in offensive linemen during the draft, the 49ers' general manager John Lynch stated that they passed on opportunities to grab an offensive tackle due to their interest in the players selected instead, not rushing to fill a void.
