In his first mock draft, NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah predicts that trend will end in 2024. Jeremiah projects general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan will use the 11th overall pick to bolster the trenches, selecting Missouri offensive lineman Armand Membou, the third offensive lineman off the board in his projection.
The 49ers are poised to invest significantly in Brock Purdy this offseason, so protecting their franchise quarterback should be a top priority.
While Membou played nearly all his collegiate snaps at right tackle, Jeremiah envisions him transitioning to guard at the NFL level. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 325 pounds, Jeremiah may feel Membou's skill set and frame suggest a higher ceiling as an interior lineman. Jeremiah even compares him to a New York Jets guard.
"Membou is the most technically sound offensive lineman in this class," Jeremiah wrote. "He reminds me of Aljah Vera-Tucker when he entered the league. Membou will be an exceptional guard who can also play tackle if needed."
Membou, a two-year starter, earned an outstanding 90.4 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus this season, ranking fifth nationally among collegiate offensive linemen. He also posted impressive marks of 87.6 in run blocking and 85.4 in pass blocking. Over 410 pass-blocking snaps, Membou allowed just nine pressures and zero sacks during the 2024 season.
If the 49ers draft Membou to play guard, he could replace Aaron Banks, who is set to hit free agency. The 49ers already struck gold last year with rookie right guard Dominick Puni, who started all 17 games and earned Pro Football Focus' highest grade (80.5) among rookie offensive linemen.
Jeremiah's NFL Media colleague, analyst Lance Zierlein, offered the following scouting overview of Membou:
Young, talented prospect whose lack of NFL-tackle size will test teams' willingness to make exceptions to their standards. Membou plays with composed quickness and elite body control. He delivers good pop on contact and has the range to spring runs with blocks in space. Footwork and core strength fuel stick-block sustain, but he can be outreached by edge-setters. His pass sets are technically sound, and he processes twists and blitzes quickly. Membou plays with a varied pass-set strategy and crafty hands to stymie rush momentum, but teams will have to live with long-armed rushers collapsing the pocket on him at times. Hands and feet work in unison to mirror speed and edge-to-edge rush challenges. He's still growing into his frame but his game boasts unusual maturity. Membou's potential impact at a premium position should keep him at tackle, but he has outstanding potential regardless.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers WR Ricky Pearsall's future in doubt after 2027 NFL mock draft
Cameron Sheath of Pro Football and Sports Network released an early projection of the 2027 NFL Draft, and his mock draft could spell trouble for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. In his projection, Sheath has the 49ers selecting Arizona State wide receiver... -
49ers Training Camp Practice No. 10: Brock Purdy to De'Zhaun Stribling building steam, Nick Bosa still missing, offensive line battle, and other quick hits
The San Francisco 49ers held their 10th practice of training camp Monday, and while it was a relatively light session, there was plenty to take away from the day. The biggest news came before practice even got underway, with the 49ers announcing the signing of offensive lineman... -
'We're ready to wreak havoc': 49ers' Alfred Collins excited about revamped D-line
The San Francisco 49ers continued their work on revamping the defensive front this offseason, trading for Osa Odighizuwa and drafting Romello Height and Gracen Halton. The organization is counting on those additions to help bolster a run defense that struggled with consistency... -
49ers vs. Titans PFF grades: Best and worst from the game, plus snap counts
The San Francisco 49ers dropped their preseason opener, suffering a 19-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Pro Football Focus released its grades and snap counts from the game, providing a closer look at which 49ers players stood out and who has more work to do. Highest-graded...