The San Francisco 49ers will need to address several core positions before the 2025 regular season.
The 49ers’ biggest question is what they will do with quarterback Brock Purdy, who has outplayed his seventh-round selection during his three years in the league.
The front office also needs to address the trenches. The 49ers could go with a defensive tackle, as Maliek Collins hasn’t been the best replacement after losing Arik Armstead to free agency last spring.
Mike Renner of CBS Sports released a mock draft on Tuesday that has the 49ers looking to add depth to the offensive line. Renner projected San Francisco to select Minnesota Golden Gophers star offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery with the No. 17 pick to eventually take over for Trent Williams.
“The 49ers’ offensive line is dangerously thin,” Renner wrote. “We’ve seen that when Trent Williams has been forced to miss time this year. Aireontae Ersery could very well be the left tackle in waiting for the 49ers going forward as he’s shown improvement in all three years as a starter.”
Minnesota Golden Gophers offensive lineman Aireontae Ersery.
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Williams is under contract through 2026 and is playing well this season, earning an 85.6 overall grade by Pro Football Focus.
However, at 36, the 49ers should consider adding a swing tackle that could replace Williams when his output inevitability declines, especially if San Francisco intends to invest heavily in paying Purdy.
Ersery is a highly decorated college athlete for Minnesota. The three-star recruit out of Ruskin High School in Kansas City earned Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024 and second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2023.
PFF ranks Ersery as the fourth-best offensive tackle in the 2025 draft. With zone-blocking being one of his strengths, Ersery would be a natural fit for head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
