The Athletic's latest mock draft has 49ers bolstering O-line

With Trent Williams being the lone elite player among the group, many expect the San Francisco 49ers to address their offensive line early. While offensive linemen may not be the flashiest picks to sell to a fanbase, The Faithful would likely welcome the move.

Dane Brugler of The Athletic released his latest mock draft on Tuesday, projecting the 49ers to select offensive lineman Jordan Morgan from Arizona.

"The eighth offensive tackle taken in this mock, Morgan is an ideal scheme fit for San Francisco," Brugler explained. "But he also makes timeline sense, because he offers versatility on the line despite having only played left tackle in college. Morgan can help fill in at guard or right tackle right away and potentially be the long-term plan on the left side whenever Trent Williams decides to hang 'em up."

Pro Football Focus ranked Morgan 12th among all NCAA tackles last season, with a career-high 83.5 overall grade. His impressive 87.3 pass-blocking grade was also a career-high. Morgan allowed 14 pressures and two sacks in his 477 pass-blocking snaps in 2023.

The right side of the offensive line has been problematic for San Francisco. Right tackle Colton McKivitz allowed a team-high 59 pressures, 22 more than any of his teammates, and a team-high nine sacks.

The 49ers have struggled to solidify the spot next to McKivitz, rotating players at right guard over the past two seasons. In 2023, Spencer Burford and Jon Feliciano split time there. Feliciano is set to become an unrestricted free agent, although general manager John Lynch has expressed interest in bringing him back.

Adding a player like Morgan while addressing other areas of the offensive line later in the draft could significantly contribute to ensuring quarterback Brock Purdy's long-term health and success.