49ers listed as a team that ‘would love to’ leave Round 1 with this position

ESPN’s Peter Schrager had eight offensive linemen drafted in a mock draft he released on Wednesday morning, including Utah’s left tackle Caleb Lomu going to the Niners at pick No. 27.

Utah’s Spencer Fano went sixth to Cleveland. Miami’s Francis Mauigoa went 11th to the Dolphins. In a twist, the Lions traded up for Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor. The Ravens followed that up with Olaviavega Ioane out of Penn State.

The Texans traded up to No. 19 to select Blake Miller from Clemson. Georgia’s Monroe Freeling fell to No. 21 to the Steelers, while the Eagles landed Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor. That left Lomu as the final offensive lineman in the first round.

Are you buying the smoke this week from Big Media that the 49ers are going to take an offensive tackle? They’ve had plenty of opportunities to do so in the past, but have never pulled the trigger. The circumstances are slightly different this season, but, realistically, the Niners would be taking the sixth-ish best player at their position.

For as much trade-down talk as there has been, it would be tempting to trade up and ahead of the Eagles if Freeling, Miller, or Iheanachor are available. It may not be popular, but the goal is to add quality starters who make your team better today and in the long term. Those three are all ideal fits for the Niners.