The 2024 NFL Draft looms on the horizon, sparking a final frenzy of mock drafts and fervent debates among fans about the San Francisco 49ers’ optimal draft strategy.

Chad Reuter’s seven-round mock draft on NFL.com introduces intriguing scenarios and unexpected twists, reflecting the unpredictable nature of draft day. While the conceptual framework is sound, the execution, particularly concerning the 49ers, raises eyebrows.

In a bold move, the 49ers engineer a trade with the Green Bay Packers to ascend to the 25th pick, selecting Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. While McKinstry exhibits promise, addressing the secondary’s depth issues, the decision leaves some scratching their heads, given pressing concerns elsewhere.

The subsequent rounds unfolded with surprises and questionable choices. A notable deviation is the delayed prioritization of the offensive line, with the first selection not materializing until the fifth round. This neglect evokes memories of past shortcomings, hinting at potential repercussions for the team’s future performance.

The selection of a wide receiver in the second round is perceived as a luxury the 49ers cannot afford, especially without resolving existing roster dilemmas. The absence of an early offensive line pick echoes past mistakes, raising concerns about recurring deficiencies in team strategy.

While the mock draft aims to simulate the unpredictability of the NFL draft, certain selections, both early and late, defy logical expectations. Despite reservations about the draft’s overall coherence, the initial pick of McKinstry garners some approval for addressing defensive needs.

However, consensus remains elusive regarding the optimal timing for addressing the offensive line. With existing roster considerations and the need for long-term solutions, fans grapple with the question of when the 49ers should prioritize bolstering their offensive front.