Pro Football and Sports Network analyst Brentley Weissman released his three-round 2026 NFL mock draft, projecting how the San Francisco 49ers could address several pressing roster needs next year. After bypassing the offensive tackle position in the 2025 NFL Draft, Weissman sees San Francisco making it a priority in 2026.
With the No. 25 overall pick, Weissman has the 49ers selecting Austin Barber, a 6-foot-6, 312-pound offensive tackle out of Florida.
"San Francisco will soon have to prepare for life without Trent Williams," Weissman wrote. "He very well could retire after this season, and the team has very few options behind him. If Williams does indeed choose that path, adding a franchise left tackle will be a priority for them in the draft."
Williams, who just turned 37, has not ruled out retirement but continues to play at a high level despite battling injuries. The future Hall of Famer missed the final seven games of last season due to an ankle injury and hasn't played a full season since joining the 49ers in 2020.
"Florida's Austin Barber is an excellent athlete who has proven to be a winning player in the SEC," Weissman continued. "He offers good balance, power, and hand use — all while showcasing an impressive ability to mirror in pass protection. He would be an excellent insert at left tackle to protect Brock Purdy's blind side."
In the second round, Weissman projects the 49ers to bolster their secondary with Alabama defensive back Keon Sabb. In the third round, he has San Francisco adding size to its receiving corps by selecting LSU wide receiver Nic Anderson.
Sabb (6-1, 204) was part of Michigan's 2023 national championship team before transferring to Alabama, where he started seven games in 2024 before a lower-body injury sidelined him. He recorded 39 tackles (one for a loss), two interceptions, and four passes defensed last season.
Anderson, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 210 pounds, transferred from Oklahoma to LSU and caught 38 passes for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023. A lower-body injury limited his 2024 campaign, but he remains a high-upside prospect.
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