There’s an interesting conundrum we continue falling into while working through mock drafts for the San Francisco 49ers.

There are clear needs the 49ers must address in this year’s draft. Their lack of success with their 2022 and 2023 classes put them in a bind where finding quality players in 2025 is paramount to re-opening a Super Bowl window.

San Francisco holds the No. 11 overall pick in this year’s draft, but it’s not a slam dunk they address their top needs on the offensive or defensive lines based on how the top 10 shakes out. Our recent NFL Wire mock draft provided a good example of how the club could address other needs in the first round by trading back and securing more picks in the middle rounds.

In that mock we used the No. 11 pick to move down two spots to No. 13 overall and acquired an extra fourth-round pick (No. 116 overall) in the process. The goal was simple: acquire more picks and still get a good player.

There’s a very real chance on Draft Day that Missouri OT Armand Membou, LSU OT Will Campbell and Michigan DT Mason Graham are all taken in the top 10, leaving the 49ers without much value at No. 11. Our selection, Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, was a ‘best player available’ choice that became easier when the top OTs and DL went off the board in the first 10 picks.

The goal at that point should be getting the best player they can get regardless of position. Campbell was that player for us and we were able to snag him after moving down two spots and getting an extra fourth-rounder. Michigan cornerback Will Johnson and Texas CB Jahdae Barron were also in the mix at No. 11, so we knew moving back two spots would leave us with at least one player we think could really help San Francisco in Year 1.

Player preferences will change, and it’s doubtful the 49ers like all the same players we do. The draft strategy should remain the same though. San Francisco doesn’t have the runway to mess around with a first-round pick they’re unsure can contribute right away. They have to take a prospect who can be an impact player on Day 1. There are enough holes on their roster that no position should be off the table if that type of player is on the board when they pick.

The 49ers also need picks. They’re relying heavily on this draft to help them contend this season and beyond. Amassing more selections to ensure more chances to find contributors makes a ton of sense.

If they can accomplish both of those goals, what position they pick in the first round starts to matter less. That’s why we ditched the No. 11 pick and took a super athletic off-ball linebacker who should be able to slot in as a three-down player next to Fred Warner right away. The OL and DL can be addressed later.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Why LB may be best pick for 49ers in 1st round of 2025 NFL draft