The San Francisco 49ers’ 2025 Draft Strategy: Will They Prioritize an Offensive Lineman or Look Elsewhere?

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, many experts have predicted that the San Francisco 49ers will use their first-round pick to strengthen their offensive line. However, general manager John Lynch has recently provided insight that may change the way we view the team’s draft priorities. In his remarks at the annual league meeting, Lynch downplayed the immediate need for an upgrade at center and right tackle, suggesting that the 49ers may approach the draft with a different focus. So, what does this mean for the 49ers’ plans and how might they address their offensive line in the upcoming draft?

John Lynch’s Insights on the Offensive Line

At the league meeting, John Lynch made it clear that the 49ers’ front office is generally content with their current offensive line. When asked about the team’s needs on the offensive front, Lynch stated, “We like our right tackle. We like our center.” This statement directly challenges the assumption that the 49ers will target an offensive lineman early in the draft, particularly at the center or right tackle positions. He further noted that while there are some internal candidates for the left guard spot, the team could still look to add depth or talent through the draft.

This is a significant statement from Lynch, especially considering that many analysts had pegged the 49ers for selecting an offensive lineman with their first-round pick. While Lynch’s words don’t rule out the possibility of adding a lineman in the draft, they paint a picture of a team that may not be in as dire a need of a top-tier starter at right tackle or center as initially thought.

Not a Dire Need at Offensive Line

Given Lynch’s comments, it’s now plausible that the 49ers will address the offensive line later in the draft, especially if they aren’t aiming for an immediate upgrade at right tackle or center. The team has historically avoided valuing guards highly enough to select one in the top half of the first round, and it’s unlikely that any center prospect will justify such an investment this year either.

Instead, the 49ers could look to add depth to the offensive line, perhaps taking a developmental player who could step in as a backup or, in the future, become a starting piece. With no immediate gaps on the starting line, the 49ers could take a calculated risk by selecting an offensive lineman later in the draft who has the potential to develop into a quality starter over time.

The Left Tackle Dilemma: A Potential Game Changer

The real wildcard in the 49ers’ draft strategy might be the future of left tackle Trent Williams. Williams, one of the best left tackles in the NFL, is nearing the end of his career, and the 49ers could be thinking ahead. If a player falls to them in the draft that they believe can eventually replace Williams, the team might be willing to select that player in the first round, even if it doesn’t align with their current offensive line needs.

Lynch’s acknowledgment of the potential need to replace Williams at left tackle suggests that the 49ers could make a move to secure a long-term solution at the position. If a top-tier tackle prospect is available at their pick, the 49ers might prioritize him, even if it means finding a temporary role for him until Williams retires.

Day 2 Picks: A Viable Option for Offensive Line Depth

The 49ers have numerous needs to address during the draft, and they can’t afford to let a first-round pick sit for an extended period. If the 49ers don’t select a tackle or guard in the first round, they may look to the second day of the draft (Rounds 2 and 3) for a player who can develop into Williams’ successor. This could allow the team to add a player who may not need to start immediately but could develop into a key piece down the line.

A player drafted on Day 2 might be able to fill a swing tackle role early in their career, giving them a year or two to develop behind Williams before stepping into the starting lineup. This approach could provide the 49ers with the flexibility to continue building their roster while preparing for the future.

What Does This Mean for the 49ers’ First-Round Pick?

While it’s not completely out of the question that the 49ers could select an offensive lineman with their first-round pick, Lynch’s comments suggest that the team might prioritize other positions. Given their depth on the offensive line, they may opt to address other areas of need first, such as adding another playmaker, bolstering their defense, or acquiring a future replacement for Williams. If the 49ers don’t see a pressing need for an immediate offensive line upgrade, they may decide to wait until later in the draft to find a contributor who can develop into a key player in the coming years.

Conclusion: The 49ers Are Likely to Look Elsewhere in the First Round

Although the San Francisco 49ers have frequently been predicted to use their first-round pick on an offensive lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft, John Lynch’s recent comments suggest the team may not prioritize that position as urgently as expected. While the 49ers could still address the offensive line, they might do so later in the draft, opting instead to focus on positions where they see a more immediate need. With the long-term future of Trent Williams in mind, the team may instead look for a potential left tackle replacement or explore other areas of the roster to improve their chances of success in the upcoming season. The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a fascinating one for the 49ers, and the team’s strategy could shift in unexpected ways.