The San Francisco 49ers' decision not to use their 2025 first-round draft pick on an offensive tackle surprised many. However, addressing the depleted defensive front was understandable. But as the draft continued, fans and analysts alike were shocked that San Francisco didn't address what was widely considered one of its biggest needs.
The draft ultimately concluded without the 49ers selecting a offensive tackle. Their only offensive line pick came in the seventh round, when they selected Connor Colby—a guard.
Unsurprisingly, early 2026 NFL mock drafts predict the 49ers will finally correct that oversight. In his latest projections, ESPN's Matt Miller has San Francisco planning for the future at offensive tackle with the No. 23 overall pick, which is based on ESPN's Football Power Index.
"Many thought the 49ers would draft the eventual successor to All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, who turns 37 in July," Miller wrote. "But San Francisco passed on tackles in the 2025 draft, so that need still exists."
Miller projects the 49ers to select Oregon offensive tackle Isaiah World with their first-round pick.
"World transferred to Oregon after dominating at Nevada, and the 6-foot-8, 310-pounder has all-world potential with his elite reach, elite agility and experience," Miller noted. "The 49ers need to get younger at core positions, and left tackle should be atop their wish list."
World will be a player to watch closely during the upcoming college football season, as Miller isn't the first to project the talented lineman to San Francisco in a 2026 mock draft. With Williams nearing retirement age and Colton McKivitz entering the final year of his contract, the 49ers will need to establish a long-term plan along the edges of the offensive line.
Fans hope the decision to overlook the tackle position in the draft won't come back to haunt the 49ers during the 2025 season.