Offensive players the San Francisco 49ers should be watching closely at the Senior Bowl: Linemen the headline act in Mobile
The San Francisco 49ers' primary needs are on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. But there are still some issues on offense, most of which concern the trenches. Tackle is an area in which the 49ers would benefit from an upgrade, while their starting left guard, Aaron Banks, is set to hit unrestricted […]
The San Francisco 49ers' primary needs are on the defensive side of the ball this offseason.
But there are still some issues on offense, most of which concern the trenches. Tackle is an area in which the 49ers would benefit from an upgrade, while their starting left guard, Aaron Banks, is set to hit unrestricted free agency.
As such, it is the linemen that are likely to be watched most closely by the 49ers when evaluating the offensive players at this week's Senior Bowl practices.
Here we look at five prospects who could be on their radar in Mobile, AL, this week.
RB LeQuint Allen, Syracuse
Running back is not a huge need for San Francisco, which traded up for Isaac Guerendo in the fourth round last year and could retain Jordan Mason as an unrestricted free agent to backup a hopefully healthier Christian McCaffrey.
But need has never stopped Kyle Shanahan from taking a running back before, and a versatile talent like Allen could pique his interest.
A to Z Sports' Destin Adams writes of Allen:
I expect Allen to put his pass-catching ability on full display during Senior Bowl practices. I honestly wouldn't be shocked to see him participate in some WR drills on top of RB during the week. So, if your team is looking for a dual-threat RB who can be a true difference-maker in the passing game, Allen should be one of the top players they consider in this class.
The 49ers already have an elite receiving back in McCaffrey, while Guerendo displayed promise in that area. But, if Mason is not retained and Elijah Mitchell leaves in unrestricted free agency, there will certainly be room for another back on the depth chart, and Allen's receiving skills make him a compelling potential addition.
QB Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
Both of the 49ers' backup quarterbacks, Joshua Dobbs and Brandon Allen, are set to be free agents, and San Francisco could use some longer-term insurance behind Brock Purdy.
Gabriel ticks some key boxes for the 49ers. As was the case with Purdy in 2022, he comes into the league with a wealth of experience at the college level following spells at UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon. On top of that, he has demonstrated the ability to make plays with his legs as well as his arm, and has proven he can deliver the ball with anticipation.
There are questions over his arm talent, but as a potential mid to late-round prospect whom they can develop, Gabriel should intrigue the 49ers.
OL Armand Membou, Missouri
NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah tabbed Membou to the 49ers in his first mock of draft season, but there are doubts about his size, which could see teams look to move from right tackle to guard.
The week of practice may give the 49ers a better idea of where they see Membou at the next level, but his athletic abilities mean Membou should be a prospect who is on San Francisco's radar regardless of their opinion on his best position.
OL Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
Much like Membou, there are those who think Savaiinaea is a guard at the next level but, after his arms measured in at over 34 inches, there's a strong case for him remaining at tackle.
He has experience at both right and left tackle, so could immediately compete to take the right tackle job from Colton McKivitz while serving as a potential heir apparent to Trent Williams on the left side.
San Francisco should love the mean streak with which Savaiinaea plays, and a strong week of practice in Mobile could move him towards the forefront of the 49ers' thinking as they mull potential long-term O-Line options in the draft.
OL Josh Conerly Jr, Oregon
But of potential successors to Williams that will be at the Senior Bowl, Conerly may the best candidate.
A to Z Sports' Jon Helmkamp wrote of Conerly:
"There aren't many offensive tackles in this year's draft class that are currently getting more buzz than Oregon's Josh Conerly Jr., who allowed only two sacks throughout his entire collegiate career. Conerly has the frame, athleticism, and quiet composure of a franchise left tackle, and he will have an opportunity in Mobile to continue his ascension heading towards the 2025 NFL Draft."
The vast majority of Conerly's snaps in college came at left tackle, so picking him in the first round and then asking him to switch to the right side while learning from Williams would not be without its risks.
But the 49ers might be more willing to take on such a gamble if he stands out this week.
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It was a hugely productive class.
