With each passing NFL Draft, San Francisco 49ers fans are left asking the same question: Why hasn't the team invested more heavily in the offensive line?
The last time the 49ers used one of their first two draft picks on an offensive lineman was in 2021, when they selected guard Aaron Banks, who is no longer on the roster. Since then, San Francisco has largely avoided making significant early-round investments up front, despite years of external pressure and internal need.
For years, analysts have projected that the 49ers would prioritize the offensive line early in the draft. And for years, they've been scrutinized for failing to do so. In the 2025 NFL Draft, San Francisco selected just one offensive lineman, and that didn't come until the seventh round with the selection of guard Connor Colby.
One of the most vocal critics of the 49ers' approach has been ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller, a lifelong fan of the team. In his latest mock draft, Miller projects San Francisco finally breaking that trend and taking a more aggressive approach to protecting quarterback Brock Purdy.
With the No. 27 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Miller has the 49ers selecting Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu as the eventual successor to future Hall of Famer Trent Williams.
"Is this the year we finally see the 49ers draft the heir apparent to Trent Williams at left tackle?" Miller wrote. "The future Hall of Famer will be in his age-38 season in 2026, meaning retirement could come in the near future. Lomu started the past two seasons at left tackle, moving Spencer Fano to the right side in the process. Lomu hasn't given up a sack since 2024 and has surrendered only three in his career."
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Lomu allowed just eight pressures across 383 pass-blocking snaps during the 2025 season. His 82.1 pass-blocking grade marked a career high, though his 62.0 run-blocking grade represented a noticeable drop from his 70.1 mark in 2024.
"The 6-foot-6, 308-pounder is an easy mover with the reactive agility to thrive in the 49ers' outside zone scheme," Miller added. "He also has the frame to keep adding muscle and strength."
If the selection were to play out, it would set up an eventual tackle pairing of Lomu and Colton McKivitz. While McKivitz has faced criticism in the past, the right tackle is coming off his best season as a pro, earning a career-high 84.2 offensive grade from PFF.
Miller doesn't stop there. In the second round, with the No. 58 overall pick, he has the 49ers once again addressing the offensive line—this time on the interior—by selecting Iowa center Logan Jones.
"We'll stick with OL for the 49ers, who need to fill multiple holes up front if they want to remain a Super Bowl contender," Miller wrote. "Jones is a plug-and-play starter with the agility to thrive in Kyle Shanahan's scheme."
The interior offensive line has been a concerning weakness for the 49ers. While the team has repeatedly publicly backed center Jake Brendel and dismissed criticism of his play, many fans would welcome an upgrade.
Meanwhile, left guards Ben Bartch and Spencer Burford are slated to become free agents.
Will the 49ers once again pass on upgrading the offensive line with early draft capital? Or will they follow Miller's blueprint and use the 2026 NFL Draft to invest heavily in protecting their franchise quarterback?
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