Let's take a brief break from the flurry of NFL free agency news to examine a couple of new 2026 NFL mock drafts. Both are intriguing because they project the San Francisco 49ers addressing the same position early: offensive tackle.

Under normal circumstances, that would simply be viewed as the team preparing for the future by identifying a potential successor to veteran left tackle Trent Williams—a sensible long-term move. However, with Williams and the 49ers reportedly in a contract standoff, the situation adds another layer of intrigue.


Garrett Podell of CBS Sports has San Francisco selecting former Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the No. 27 overall pick. Podell highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Williams' future when explaining the projection.

"Trent Williams and the San Francisco 49ers are in the midst of a contract dispute," Podell wrote. "Plus, Williams turns 38 in July. Lomu's handwork and consistency in remaining upright prevent edge rushers from blowing past his shoulders, and he has strong instincts."

According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Lomu (6-6, 308) allowed just eight pressures and zero sacks across 383 pass-blocking snaps in 2025. His 82.1 pass-blocking grade marked a career high, although his 62.0 run-blocking grade dipped from the 70.1 mark he posted in 2024.

Austin Swaim of Pro Football and Sports Network released a three-round mock draft that also has the 49ers addressing offensive tackle in the first round, projecting former Clemson standout Blake Miller to San Francisco. Swaim noted that the 49ers are among the more interesting teams to project because of their varied roster depth needs.

"However, the Niners are likely seeking a replacement for 37-year-old Trent Williams among their earlier selections in 2026," Swaim wrote. "In a class full of physically flawed tackles, Clemson's Blake Miller checks every box. He's 6'7″ with massive arms (34 and 1/4″), and he was the most athletic size-adjusted offensive tackle at the combine with a 5.05-second 40 and 32.0″ vertical jump."


Swaim also pointed out that Miller brings significant experience, having made 54 starts at the college level.

Later in the mock draft, Swaim has the 49ers adding former Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II in the second round before selecting former USC defensive end Anthony Lucas in the third.

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