ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller has unveiled his latest mock draft, projecting each team's potential first-round pick for next year. In this mock, Miller has the San Francisco 49ers selecting at No. 16 overall. However, this placement doesn't necessarily reflect how he expects the team to finish the season. The draft order is based on current standings, reflecting where teams would be slotted if the season ended today.
Miller envisions the 49ers using their first-round pick to address a pressing need: upgrading the offensive line to better protect quarterback Brock Purdy, who is set to become the team's highest-paid player. A longtime 49ers fan and frequent critic of the team's offensive line management, Miller has often highlighted San Francisco's aging and sometimes inconsistent unit as needing improvement.
Left tackle Trent Williams will be 37 at the start of next season but remains the 49ers' best offensive lineman by a wide margin. His 85.6 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus is his lowest since 2018, but he still leads the team. Rookie guard Dominick Puni follows with an 80.8 grade, while no other 49ers offensive lineman boasts a mark of 72.0 or higher. And Miller has never been especially fond of right tackle Colton McKivitz.
These factors contribute to Miller's projection of Texas offensive tackle Cameron Williams as the 49ers' first-round selection.
"Injuries can explain a lot of the 49ers' offensive issues, but they could stand to upgrade their O-line," Miller explained. "Right tackle Colton McKivitz has surrendered five sacks, and Williams could be a long-term fix. He's a first-year starter, and his game is still raw, but he shows considerable potential. The 6-foot-5, 335-pounder has drawn comparisons to 2024 first-rounder Amarius Mims in terms of his strength and agility, with one NFC South area scout telling me that Williams has a chance to be the first OT drafted if he declares."
Although Williams has allowed two sacks and 12 pressures this season, according to Pro Football Focus, his physical traits and upside make him an intriguing prospect, particularly under the guidance of 49ers offensive line coach Chris Foerster.
Miller added, "The 49ers could plug him next to guard Dominick Puni, their third-round pick in 2024, and form an incredibly young and strong right side of the line."
The potential loss of left guard Aaron Banks, set to hit free agency after this season, could also influence how the 49ers approach the early rounds of next year's draft. Strengthening the offensive line might become a priority as the team looks to protect its soon-to-be highly-paid franchise quarterback.