Kurtenbach: A 7-round 49ers mock draft with two weeks to go

In his latest 7-round mock draft, ESPN's Nick Wagoner of the San Francisco Chronicle, known as Kurtenbach in his mock drafts, has the San Francisco 49ers focusing heavily on addressing their need at offensive tackle in the first three rounds. With just two weeks remaining until the NFL Draft, let's delve deeper into Kurtenbach's mock draft and explore some factual context surrounding the team's pursuit of offensive line talent.

1. Round 1 (Pick 3): Ikem Ekwonu, North Carolina State

Kurtenbach has the 49ers selecting Ikem Ekwonu, a versatile offensive lineman from North Carolina State, with their first pick in the draft. Ekwonu is widely regarded as one of the top offensive line prospects in this year's class. He started at left guard in his freshman year before moving to right tackle in his final three seasons. His versatility, athleticism, and power make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their offensive line.

2. Round 2 (Pick 38): Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan

In the second round, Kurtenbach has the 49ers selecting Bernhard Raimann, an offensive tackle from Central Michigan. Raimann is a 6'6" and 305-pound lineman who started at left tackle for Central Michigan in 2021. He was named a second-team All-American by Pro Football Focus and was a finalist for the Joe Greene Great Rookie Award. Raimann's impressive performance at the Senior Bowl further solidified his status as a potential second-round pick.

3. Round 3 (Pick 66): Darian Kinnard, Florida

With their third-round pick, Kurtenbach has the 49ers selecting Darian Kinnard, an offensive guard from Florida. Kinnard started at left guard for the Gators in 2021 and was named a second-team All-SEC selection by both the coaches and media. He is known for his strength, intelligence, and versatility, having experience playing both guard positions as well as some experience at center.

Now, let's discuss the possibility of a big trade for an elite offensive tackle prospect. The 49ers have been linked to several top offensive tackles in recent rumors, including Evan Neal from Alabama and Charles Cross from Mississippi State. However, trading up in the draft to secure one of these prospects could come at a high cost.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the 49ers have expressed interest in trading up for Neal but have not yet made an offer. The cost of such a move could be significant, potentially including multiple draft picks or even a current roster player.

As for Cross, he is expected to be available when the 49ers pick in the first round, but there is speculation that teams like the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks could also be interested in trading up to secure his services. If the 49ers want to ensure they get their preferred tackle prospect, they may need to be prepared to make a bold move in the trade market.

In conclusion, Kurtenbach's mock draft highlights the 49ers' focus on addressing their need at offensive tackle in the early rounds of the NFL Draft. With potential trades looming, the team could still shake things up by making a bold move to secure an elite prospect. However, the cost of such a move could be significant, potentially including multiple draft picks or even a current roster player. Stay tuned as the NFL Draft approaches to see how the 49ers' offensive line strategy unfolds.