The 49ers Can’t Ignore Offensive Tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft
A Neglected Position for Years
Believe it or not, the San Francisco 49ers haven’t drafted an offensive tackle since 2021. That last pick was Jaylon Moore, a fifth-round selection who has started just 12 games in four seasons. Now, he’s about to hit free agency, leaving the team with even fewer options at the position.
A Major Weakness on the Right Side
Colton McKivitz, the team’s starting right tackle for the past two seasons, has been nothing short of a liability. Originally a fifth-round pick in 2020, McKivitz has allowed 21 sacks in 34 starts, including eight this season alone. His struggles in pass protection have consistently put quarterback Brock Purdy under pressure, making him one of the weakest links on an otherwise talented roster. With his contract set to expire after the 2024 season, the 49ers should not entertain the idea of bringing him back.
The Uncertain Future of Trent Williams
On the left side, future Hall of Famer Trent Williams remains dominant—when he’s on the field. However, injuries are becoming a recurring issue for the veteran tackle. This past season, he missed seven games due to an ankle bruise that refused to heal. At 37 years old in July, his durability is a growing concern. Making matters worse, the 49ers don’t even have a reliable backup for him, thanks to their neglect of the position in recent drafts.
Front Office Miscalculations
After last year’s draft, general manager John Lynch was questioned about why the team once again ignored the offensive tackle position. His response?
“When you’re drafting 31st, it’s oftentimes hard to find a tackle that you really love. And we like our tackles as they stand right now.”
Lynch then praised Jaylon Moore and rookie Jarrett Kingston, citing them as viable depth options. Just a few months later, Kingston was waived after training camp, proving that the team’s confidence in its depth was misplaced.
No More Excuses in 2024
This year, the 49ers have the 11th overall pick—a prime opportunity to draft a high-level offensive tackle. There’s no excuse for Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan to neglect the position again. Even if they don’t select a tackle in the first round, they must prioritize the position in Rounds 2 or 3.
The offensive line is the foundation of any successful offense, and for the 49ers, it’s the one glaring weakness that could prevent them from reaching their Super Bowl aspirations. If they fail to address this need in the draft, they will be setting themselves up for another season of unnecessary struggles in pass protection.
