49ers' Rival Scout Predicts OL, DL Get Drafted If 'Shanahan Can Resist' Skill Player

The San Francisco 49ers are picking earlier than they are accustomed to in this year's NFL draft after a disappointing 6-11 season, and that could mean addressing the offensive and defensive lines if head coach Kyle Shanahan doesn't get tempted elsewhere.

"This should be an all-trenches draft if [Kyle] Shanahan can resist picking skill players," a rival NFC scout said in a Thursday piece by ESPN's Matt Miller.

Miller also analyzed the 49ers' approach and noted, "this is a pivotal draft, as San Francisco looks to replace several departed starters and key backups. With 11 selections, the 49ers need to hit on rookies, as starters with inexpensive contracts are badly needed."

San Francisco has the No. 11 overall pick, and B/R's NFL Scouting Department projected it to select Texas A&M pass-rusher Shemar Stewart in its latest mock draft.

Stewart is someone who could pair with Nick Bosa and overwhelm opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks. He is also someone who could help the 49ers replenish a defense that lost Charvarius Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, Dre Greenlaw, Maliek Collins, Javon Hargrave and Leonard Floyd this offseason alone.

Even after losing Deebo Samuel this offseason, the 49ers are still loaded with a number of impact skill players.

Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall is a better group than most surrounding quarterback Brock Purdy, which gives Shanahan and the front office the ability to focus on bolstering the lines.

That's not to say all 11 picks will be on the offensive and defensive lines, but it figures to be a focus.

Unless, of course, Shanahan can't help himself when it comes to adding headline-inducing skill players.