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San Francisco could strike gold with late-round gift in PFF’s latest mock draft
While most of the pre-draft noise has focused on quarterbacks climbing up the board, the San Francisco 49ers may quietly become one of the biggest winners of Round 1 — at pick No. 31.
According to Pro Football Focus’ latest mock draft, Missouri left tackle Armand Membou slips all the way down to the 49ers. And if that happens? That’s not just a good pick — it’s a dream scenario.
A Quarterback Shuffle That Pays Off
With Derek Carr now expected to miss the entire 2025 season due to a serious shoulder injury, the New Orleans Saints are suddenly in the market for a new signal-caller. PFF projects they’ll take Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart with the No. 9 pick — joining Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders as projected top-10 quarterbacks.
That QB rush means premium non-quarterback talent could tumble, and Membou appears to be the odd man out.
Filling a Critical Need
Let’s be real — the 49ers haven’t taken an offensive tackle in the first round since 2018. That’s a long drought for a position that’s absolutely vital, especially for a team with Super Bowl ambitions.
Here’s how PFF’s Jordan Plocher puts it:
“The 49ers haven’t drafted an offensive tackle in the first round since 2018. Trent Williams will be back in 2025, but he will be 37 years old and in his 15th season. Membou would give the 49ers an athletic tackle who fits what they want to do schematically.”
And he’s not wrong. Membou isn’t just another body on the line. He’s an ideal fit for Kyle Shanahan’s scheme — athletic, mobile, and a beast in the run game.
“Membou earned an 80.7 PFF run-blocking grade in 2024 on outside zone runs, a concept the 49ers deployed on 50% of their run plays.”
The Trent Williams Question
Sure, GM John Lynch has said Trent Williams will be back next season — but it’s not exactly a lock. Williams hasn’t spoken publicly or posted on social media since October. At age 37 and with 14 seasons behind him, retirement rumors aren’t just speculation — they’re fair game.
Even if he returns, the 49ers need a long-term solution. Membou could sit behind one of the best to ever do it, learn the ropes, and eventually take the mantle.
Final Thoughts
If Membou is sitting there at 31 and the 49ers pass? It would be hard to justify. He checks all the boxes — need, scheme fit, long-term value.
It’s rare that a top-tier tackle falls into your lap at the end of the first round. But if PFF is right, the Niners might be looking at the steal of the draft.
And come Sunday afternoons next fall? That “steal” could be the difference between heartbreak and hardware.