It would be a fairly significant surprise if the San Francisco 49ers don’t select either an offensive lineman or defensive lineman with the No. 11 pick in the 2025 draft.
While a defensive lineman may be more likely given their past team-building philosophy, they land a potentially perfect fit on the offensive line in the latest seven-round mock draft from Pro Football Network.
PFN has the 49ers skipping the defensive line in favor of injured Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons. Simmons, despite suffering a torn patellar tendon in early December, looks to be exactly what San Francisco would be looking for in an offensive tackle.
He’s listed with NFL size at 6-5, 310 pounds, and he has really high-quality movement skills that should allow him to operate in a 49ers offense that requires athleticism from its offensive line.
What makes Simmons perfect for the 49ers in particular is that he has experience at both tackle spots.
At Ohio State he started 13 games on the right side during his sophomore season, before flipping to the left side as a junior where he started 19 games over his final two college seasons before his knee injury. That’s almost the exact route the 49ers would want him to take.
He could slide in at right tackle to provide an upgrade over RT Colton McKivitz, then jump over to the left tackle spot when LT Trent Williams decides to retire. Simmons could also flip over to the left side as a rookie if Williams misses time, which he has in each of his five seasons with San Francisco.
It’s hard to envision the 49ers using the No. 11 pick on a player who’ll eventually play guard in the NFL. That wouldn’t be the case for Simmons who has a real chance to be the best OT in this year’s class.
The other picks for the 49ers from PFN
Round 2, Pick 43: LB Jihaad Campbelll, Alabama
Round 3, Pick 75: DE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Round 3, Pick 99: DT JJ Pegues, Ole Miss
Round 4, Pick 111: G Earnest Greene, Georgia
Round 4, Pick 137: CB Upton Stout, Western Kentucky
Round 4, Pick 138: TE Luke Lachey, Iowa
Round 6, Pick 188: WR Nick Nash, San Jose State
Round 7, Pick 227: OT Jalen Travis, Iowa State
Round 7, Pick 231: K Caden Davis, Ole Miss
Round 7, Pick 254: S Craig Woodson, Cal
It’s unclear why they gave the 49ers an 11th selection. General manager John Lynch said the team is expecting 10. It appears this mock includes an additional seventh-round pick for San Francisco.