The San Francisco 49ers are poised to make a significant impact in this year’s NFL Draft, as they hold the 11th overall pick, giving them the opportunity to select a franchise-altering talent. This marks the first time since 2021 that the team has picked this high in the draft, a selection they made to trade up for quarterback Trey Lance. In hindsight, that move proved costly for the 49ers, as Lance has not lived up to expectations. Looking back, they could have chosen players who went on to become All-Pro talents, such as Penei Sewell, Ja’Marr Chase, Patrick Surtain II, or Micah Parsons.
With the 11th pick in the 2025 draft, the 49ers are in a much better position. At least one potential future All-Pro is expected to be available, giving the team a chance to make a more impactful selection. According to Pro Football Focus, the ideal scenario for the 49ers would be to select LSU’s left tackle Will Campbell. PFF’s Mason Cameron suggests that addressing the offensive line is a top priority, especially as the 49ers work on a significant extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. Strengthening the blocking game for Purdy and star running back Christian McCaffrey is essential for maintaining their offensive momentum.
The offensive line has become a growing concern for the 49ers. Aaron Banks, their current left guard, is set to become a free agent, and the aging Trent Williams is coming off an injury. Williams, who will be entering his 37th season, is no longer a long-term solution at tackle. Bringing in a player like Campbell or another highly regarded tackle prospect could address the team’s immediate need for quality blocking while also providing a stable option for the future.
Despite the clear need for an upgrade on the offensive line, there seems to be a disconnect between the 49ers’ actual priorities and public perception. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and offensive line coach Chris Foerster have previously stated that they prefer investing in offensive players who can put points on the board, such as playmakers, rather than focusing on spending top resources on the offensive line. This philosophy has led to decisions like starting Colton McKivitz at right tackle. While McKivitz is serviceable, he’s essentially been treated as a high-level backup, with the 49ers not prioritizing top-tier offensive line talent.
The 49ers’ hesitation to invest heavily in offensive line talent may stem from the memory of their past mistake with Mike McGlinchey, whom they selected with the 9th overall pick in the 2018 Draft. McGlinchey, a highly touted prospect at the time, never lived up to expectations, and the team ultimately declined to offer him a second contract. That pick is widely considered a major reach, and the 49ers may be wary of making a similar move again. This experience may influence their strategy this year, as they likely want to avoid another high-profile miss on the offensive line.
Given their recent success in scouting and developing talent, the 49ers may opt for a more cost-effective approach to filling their offensive line needs. Last year, in the 2024 Draft, the 49ers found Dominick Puni, a capable right guard, in the third round. Puni has already shown that he can make an impact as a starter, and the team may be inclined to take a similar route in 2025, waiting until the third round again to address the offensive line. This strategy reflects their confidence in finding quality players later in the draft and their preference for investing heavily in other areas of the team, such as skill positions.
The 49ers’ approach to roster-building has been defined by their ability to develop talent and find value at all levels of the draft. Their defense, featuring stars like Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and others, has been one of the best in the league in recent years, while the offense has found success through a balanced attack led by McCaffrey and a stable of talented receivers. Still, for the team to take the next step and contend for a Super Bowl, their offensive line must be a focal point. While they may not prioritize it as heavily as some other teams, the 49ers can’t afford to ignore it forever.
The 11th overall pick offers the 49ers a rare chance to select an elite talent, and the choice they make could define the next era of the franchise. If they go for a player like Will Campbell, they’d be addressing one of their biggest weaknesses—pass protection and run blocking—ensuring that both Purdy and McCaffrey have the protection they need to thrive. If the 49ers opt to address other areas of need or focus on the offensive line later in the draft, they’ll be hoping that their strategy of finding talent in later rounds continues to pay off.
While their offensive line may not be the flashiest position on the field, it is crucial to the team’s success in 2025 and beyond. Protecting Purdy, who has shown promise as the team’s starting quarterback, is essential for the 49ers to maintain their offensive efficiency. Similarly, keeping McCaffrey healthy and able to contribute at a high level depends heavily on solid blocking in both the run and passing games. In a competitive NFC West division, every advantage counts, and the 49ers can’t afford to overlook the offensive line if they want to remain Super Bowl contenders.
In conclusion, the 49ers find themselves at a crossroads in the 2025 draft, with an opportunity to select a game-changing player that can strengthen their offensive line and contribute to their championship aspirations. Whether they choose to take the safe route with a high pick like Will Campbell or opt for a value pick later in the draft, the success of their decision will have a lasting impact on the team’s future. The coming weeks will reveal whether the 49ers stick to their current philosophy of focusing on skill players or make a more aggressive push to secure one of the top offensive linemen available. Either way, the 49ers have a crucial opportunity to build for the future, and how they use this draft pick could define the trajectory of their franchise for years to come.
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