As the 2025 NFL Draft looms, the San Francisco 49ers face a critical decision to bolster their offensive line following the departure of Aaron Banks to the Green Bay Packers. The void at left guard—a linchpin in Head Coach Kyle Shanahan’s sophisticated zone-blocking scheme—has thrust two elite prospects into the spotlight: Alabama’s Tyler Booker and Arizona’s Jonah Savaiinaea. Both are among the top guard talents in this draft class, yet their contrasting styles raise a pivotal question: who is the ideal fit to anchor the 49ers’ interior line and fuel their championship aspirations?
Tyler Booker: The Crimson Tide Powerhouse
Tyler Booker, a 6’5”, 352-pound behemoth from Alabama, evokes memories of a young Mike Iupati, the 49ers’ dominant guard under Jim Harbaugh. Renowned as potentially “the most powerful drive blocker in the upcoming draft,” Booker’s game is built on raw strength. His ability to displace defenders at the point of attack makes him a wrecking ball in run-heavy sets, particularly in inside zone plays where he creates gaping holes for running backs. In the SEC’s brutal trenches, Booker has proven he can forklift defensive tackles, leveraging his long arms (estimated ~34.5 inches) and sheer mass to dominate one-on-one matchups.
However, Booker’s power comes with trade-offs. His lateral agility is a noted weakness, with a lackluster Combine performance (RAS: 3.64) highlighting heavy feet and limited explosiveness. Shanahan’s system, rooted in outside zone runs, demands guards who can move laterally and operate in space—qualities Booker struggles to deliver consistently. That said, the 49ers have succeeded with less nimble guards before. Neither Aaron Banks nor Laken Tomlinson were athletic marvels, yet both thrived by pairing force with technique to power San Francisco’s run game. Booker’s football IQ and ability to anchor against power rushers in pass protection further bolster his case, though he can be vulnerable to quick, shifty pass-rushers due to slower reaction times.
Jonah Savaiinaea: The Athletic Prodigy from Arizona
Jonah Savaiinaea, a 6’5”, 330-336-pound lineman from Arizona, counters Booker’s brute force with a tantalizing blend of size and agility. With a Combine RAS of 9.16 and a 4.95-second 40-yard dash, Savaiinaea’s athleticism shines, making him a natural fit for Shanahan’s outside zone scheme. His lateral quickness allows him to excel in space, pulling effectively and climbing to the second level to neutralize linebackers. Having started at both guard and tackle, Savaiinaea’s versatility adds another layer of appeal, offering the 49ers a potential swing lineman.
In pass protection, Savaiinaea’s technical prowess stands out. His “snatch-trap” technique and heavy hands have yielded an impressive PFF pass-blocking grade (83.4 in 2024) and just 8 sacks allowed across 1,544 pass-blocking snaps. While he occasionally struggles with pad level and hip flexibility, his spatial awareness and ability to handle complex blitzes align seamlessly with the 49ers’ need for a guard who can protect the quarterback against modern, stunt-heavy defenses. Though not as dominant a drive blocker as Booker, Savaiinaea still generates movement in the run game, particularly in zone schemes where his mobility shines.
Shanahan’s System: Power or Agility?
Kyle Shanahan’s offense hinges on a zone-running foundation, blending outside and inside zone plays with pin-pull series and play-action passing. Guards in this system must be mobile enough to execute lateral blocks, pull in space, and reach second-level defenders, yet strong enough to hold their own in tight quarters. Pass protection is equally critical, as linemen must counter blitzes and stunts to maintain a clean pocket. Historically, Shanahan has leaned toward athletic linemen—like right guard Dominick Puni—but has also accommodated power-based guards like Banks and Tomlinson when their strengths align with the run game’s needs.
Booker’s Fit: Booker is a natural for inside zone and gap schemes, where his power can create massive running lanes. His ability to anchor against bull rushes and recognize stunts makes him a reliable pass protector against traditional defensive fronts. However, his limited lateral mobility could hinder him in outside zone plays, a cornerstone of Shanahan’s playbook. Booker’s profile suggests a “plug-and-play” starter who could replicate Banks’ role, but he may need coaching to refine his footwork for the 49ers’ more dynamic run concepts.
Savaiinaea’s Fit: Savaiinaea checks more boxes for Shanahan’s ideal guard. His quick feet and lateral agility make him a perfect match for outside zone, where he can lead blocks and operate in open space. His pass-protection skills, honed against diverse rushers as a tackle, equip him to handle the NFL’s complex defenses. While he lacks Booker’s raw power, Savaiinaea’s ability to move defenders in zone schemes and his versatility (guard/tackle) offer long-term value. He’s “just as big as Booker and much more athletic,” giving him an edge in a system that prizes mobility.
Strategic Crossroads: The 49ers’ Draft Dilemma
The choice between Booker and Savaiinaea will signal the 49ers’ priorities for their offensive evolution. Tyler Booker represents a doubling-down on physicality, ensuring dominance in inside zone and power run games. His immediate impact as a drive blocker could stabilize the line, particularly if Shanahan wants to lean into a ground-and-pound identity. However, his fit feels narrower, as his mobility constraints may limit the playbook’s flexibility.
Jonah Savaiinaea, conversely, aligns with Shanahan’s vision of a dynamic, versatile offense. His athleticism unlocks the full spectrum of zone runs, from outside stretches to inside dives, while his pass-protection acumen fortifies the pocket. Savaiinaea’s ability to play tackle as a backup adds roster flexibility—an invaluable trait for a team managing cap constraints. Draft projections place Savaiinaea as a late first- or second-round pick (e.g., #43 overall), potentially within San Francisco’s range, while Booker may command a higher selection (Round 1/early Round 2).
The Verdict: Who Powers the 49ers’ Future?
If the 49ers have their pick, Jonah Savaiinaea emerges as the superior fit. His athletic profile, tailored to Shanahan’s outside zone foundation, combined with his pass-protection skills and positional versatility, positions him as a day-one starter with Pro Bowl potential. Savaiinaea’s ability to execute the 49ers’ full playbook—while offering insurance at tackle—makes him a strategic coup for a team eyeing sustained contention.
That said, Tyler Booker remains a compelling fallback. Should Savaiinaea be off the board, Booker’s power and football IQ ensure he’d still be a formidable addition, capable of anchoring the left guard spot with brute force. His limitations in mobility, however, suggest a ceiling slightly below Savaiinaea’s in San Francisco’s system.
The 49ers’ decision will reverberate through their championship window. Will they bank on Savaiinaea’s agility to elevate their dynamic attack, or turn to Booker’s might to bulldoze their way forward? Share your take below: who’s the guard to lead San Francisco’s next chapter?