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 of the 2023 NFL Draft. With just two weeks remaining before the draft, let's delve deeper into Kurtenbach's mock draft and explore some factual context surrounding the team's pursuit of offensive line reinforcements.

1. Round 1 (Pick 10): Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

Paris Johnson Jr. is a versatile offensive lineman who started at both left and right tackle during his time at Ohio State. He is considered one of the top offensive line prospects in this year's draft class due to his athleticism, technique, and ability to protect the edge. Johnson's addition would provide the 49ers with a solid foundation on their offensive line.

2. Round 2 (Pick 36): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

Darnell Wright is another highly regarded offensive tackle prospect who could be available when the 49ers select in the second round. Wright is known for his size (6'5", 320 lbs) and strength, which would make him an excellent fit in San Francisco's power-running scheme. Wright's experience playing in a pro-style offense at Tennessee should help him transition smoothly to the NFL.

3. Round 3 (Pick 68): John Michael Schmitz, C/G, Minnesota

In this scenario, Kurtenbach has the 49ers addressing their interior offensive line needs in the third round by selecting John Michael Schmitz. Schmitz is a versatile lineman who can play both center and guard. His addition would provide depth and versatility to the offensive line, allowing the team to keep their starting five intact while also having quality options off the bench.

Now, let's discuss the possibility of a big trade for an elite offensive tackle prospect:

Trade Scenario:

The 49ers hold the 10th overall pick in the first round, but they could potentially move up if they find a trading partner willing to part ways with an elite offensive tackle prospect. One potential target could be the New York Giants' Andrew Thomas, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Thomas has struggled at times in his young career, but his upside and potential make him an intriguing option for the 49ers.

To acquire Thomas, the 49ers could offer a package that includes their first-round pick (10th overall), their third-round pick (68th overall), and possibly a future pick or player. The Giants might be enticed by such an offer, especially if they believe they can address their offensive line needs through other means in the draft or via free agency.

In conclusion, Kurtenbach's mock draft emphasizes the 49ers' focus on addressing their offensive line needs through the draft, particularly at tackle. The team could potentially make a splashy move by trading up for an elite prospect like Andrew Thomas to bolster their line even further. Regardless of how they choose to address this need, the 49ers are poised to make significant improvements up front in the 2023 NFL Draft.