The San Francisco 49ers don’t have a lot of weaknesses in their roster and are known to be one of the most stacked teams throughout the league. However, their team-building philosophy wasn’t able to garner them a Super Bowl win as the Niners faithful were heartbroken by the team’s overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
While the Niners have a stacked team from QB to special teams, they have an obvious weakness on the offensive line. While they have generally done well in the 2023 season, there is room for improvement that should allow them to keep on competing.
The team cannot do much when it comes to the 2024 NFL Draft as they’re picking 31st in the first round. However, there are plenty of talent in the 2024 class that they should be able to find a worthwhile addition to their offensive line if they manage to trade up.
Potential O-Line targets for the San Francisco 49ers in the draft
Niners Wire’s Kyle Madson listed four outstanding offensive linemen prospects who should still be available for selection if the Niners manage to trade up a couple of spots in the draft:
JC Latham
JC Latham has been an outstanding lineman for Nick Saban’s Alabama in the three years he played there. While he only had two seasons of play, the 6’6″, 344-pound lineman has the strength and agility to cover both the passing and running game.
Graham Barton
Madson praised Graham Barton for his versatility in the offensive line. The Duke standout was a left tackle throughout his three-year stint, but he also has the experience to complete some snaps at center. He’ll be a versatile weapon for the San Francisco 49ers if they want a bit of flexibility in their offensive line.
Jackson Powers-Johnson
Jackson Powers-Johnson has been a presence both on and off the field, and he may be just off the board by the time the Niners get their turn in the NFL Draft. The Oregon lineman has shown that he has the ability to contain defenders and will feel at home in the NFL.
Troy Fautanu
Troy Fautanu is rated by Madson as the lineman the 49ers want to get the most. He has the build (6’4″, 310 lbs) to function as an effective tackle and guard. He is also rated to have the highest potential across multiple positions in the offensive line.
Should the Niners trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft?
If there’s anything we should be clear on when it comes to the Niners and the draft, it’s the fact that they’re not shy about trading up. Fans can still remember the king’s ransom they paid to draft Trey Lance with the third pick of the 2021 Draft.
However, they must be sure that whoever among the four linemen they select will fit in seamlessly with the team. For a team that has an aging roster, they cannot waste time with project players. They need high-impact players who can contribute immediately.
Hopefully, their crop of rookies this year will be the push they need to finally win the Lombardi.
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