The 49ers are near the bottom of the league in investments in their OL since 2022
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 8: Offensive tackle Nick Zakelj #63 of the San Francisco 49ers enters the field during player introductions prior to an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, at Levi's Stadium on December 8, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As you read through mock drafts for the San Francisco 49ers, especially with Trent Williams’ contract status in limbo, left tackle or a selection of offensive line is becoming more and more popular.

Then, you realize the Niners’ investments up front have been few and far between in the NFL Draft under the current regime. Mike McGlinchey in the first round feels like a lifetime ago. Aaron Banks in the second round made sense, but the team didn’t re-sign him to a second contract.

The current draft picks along the offensive line on the roster are Nick Zakelj, Dominick Puni, and Connor Colby. That is all. It shouldn’t come as a shock, considering 49ers offensive line coach Chris Foerster said in May 2024 to invest in players that can touch the ball and score:

“This is my personal opinion, if they ask me, invest in guys that touch the ball, guys that can touch the ball and score touchdowns. And then there’s a range of guys, second, third, fourth round, fifth round even, that we will find starting offensive linemen in.”

According to Warren Sharp, the 49ers are 30th in the NFL since 2022 in draft capital:

Now that the team has a full allotment of picks, will they change their identity over the next couple of drafts, or will this trend continue for the 49ers?

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