This year, the San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a rare position to make a significant splash in the first round of the NFL Draft, holding their highest first-round pick since 2021, when they moved up to select quarterback Trey Lance. The 49ers’ decision to trade up that year reflected their aggressive strategy to secure a franchise quarterback, but this time around, it seems unlikely that they’ll repeat that bold move. Instead, many expect the team to either stay put at their current position or potentially trade back to gain more draft capital.

As it stands, the 49ers are set to draft 11th overall in the first round, but there’s a chance they could move up the draft board with losses to both the Detroit Lions and the Arizona Cardinals in the final two games of the season. For now, San Francisco sits just outside the top 10, leaving them in a prime position to add a key player to their roster. According to CBS’s Ryan Wilson, the 49ers are expected to take Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons with their first-round selection.

Simmons, who transferred from San Diego State, made a name for himself in Columbus, Ohio, after being installed as the starting left tackle for the Buckeyes. His transition from right tackle to left tackle was smooth, and he played at a high level until an unfortunate knee injury in October against Oregon ended his season. Despite the setback, Simmons opted to declare for the 2025 draft, forgoing the chance to return to school and further develop his game. Given the draft’s relative lack of depth along the offensive line, many scouts believe Simmons has the potential to be a first-round pick, even though he may need a year or two of seasoning before he’s ready for full-time NFL action.

This potential pick makes a great deal of sense for the 49ers, especially when considering their recent struggles and future needs on the offensive line. The team hasn’t selected an offensive tackle since 2021, when they took Jaylon Moore in the fifth round. With left tackle Trent Williams recently missing a significant portion of the season due to an ankle injury, the 49ers are well aware of the importance of adding depth and reliability to their offensive line. While Williams remains one of the league’s top tackles when healthy, the team can no longer count on him to hold up for entire seasons. Additionally, right tackle Colton McKivitz, while serviceable, doesn’t possess the same level of talent or consistency as Williams. As such, Simmons would represent a major upgrade for the 49ers’ offensive line, providing them with both immediate help and future security on the blind side.

Simmons is a player with the kind of high ceiling that the 49ers need to solidify their offensive line for years to come. His combination of size, agility, and technical skill makes him a highly attractive option for a team that aims to protect its quarterbacks and build a dominant running game. If the 49ers can successfully land Simmons, they’ll be adding a potential cornerstone to their offensive line who could contribute immediately and grow into one of the league’s best at his position.