Are the 49ers About to Pull Off a Shocking NFL Draft Trade?

The San Francisco 49ers are facing a tough dilemma. They haven’t found a trade partner for Brandon Aiyuk, and many suggest they should trade down to accumulate more picks. But is there a bolder move they should make?

🔴 The 49ers Need to Trade Up, Not Down!
After a disappointing 6-11 season, the 49ers no longer have the same talent-filled roster they once did. However, with 11 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, they have a golden opportunity to rebuild and get younger.

Instead of moving down, this is the time for San Francisco to gamble – trade up and grab a true game-changer!

🔄 The Perfect Plan: Move Up for Armand Membou!

GM John Lynch is under pressure to revamp the roster, but with five picks in Rounds 5 and 7, the 49ers are unlikely to find franchise-altering talent.

💰 With the No. 11 overall pick and a valuable second-rounder at No. 43, San Francisco has the assets to trade up!

Their target? Armand Membou, the offensive tackle from Missouri. He could solidify the offensive line and serve as a long-term successor for Trent Williams (37 years old) when he eventually retires.

🎯 If other teams trade up for quarterbacks, Membou could slide to around pick No. 8. That’s when the 49ers could strike a deal with the Panthers, packaging their No. 11 pick and a third-rounder to move up.

💥 Could Membou Be the Key to Fixing the 49ers?

According to Lance Zierlein (NFL.com), Membou possesses the traits of a top-tier offensive tackle:

📌 Quick, controlled, and technically sound
📌 Delivers strong impact on contact and excels in space
📌 Smart pass-blocker who processes blitzes rapidly

Though he can sometimes be overwhelmed by long-armed edge rushers, his upside at a premium position makes him a worthy investment.

🚨 But Will Shanahan Take the Risk?

Here’s the catch: Kyle Shanahan has never prioritized offensive linemen highly!

🗣 “You can pour resources into the O-line, but if you don’t have guys who can score or rush the quarterback, it won’t matter.” – Shanahan told SF Chronicle.

🚧 Will Shanahan change his approach? He has long relied on his system to mask weaknesses on the offensive line.

“I like offensive linemen that I don’t have to talk about during a game.” – Shanahan stated.

🔥 2025: A Defining Year for the 49ers?

San Francisco is at a crossroads. They’ve had tremendous success under Shanahan but also endured frustrating seasons. If they struggle again, Shanahan’s seat could get hot.

🚀 Should the 49ers go all-in for Armand Membou? Or will they stick to their old ways?