Josh Weil of Pro Football and Sports Network has the San Francisco 49ers finally addressing the offensive tackle position in his latest 2026 NFL mock draft. However, before head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch turn to the trenches, Weil projects the team adding another offensive playmaker.
Weil has San Francisco using its first-round pick—No. 18 overall—on USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, giving quarterback Brock Purdy another dynamic weapon in the passing game.
"With all the injuries the San Francisco 49ers have had at the wide receiver position, it is impressive that they are still hanging in there in the playoff race," Weil wrote. "Now, a perfect scheme for the 49ers, staying in California, would be precisely what the doctor ordered for Makai Lemon.
"Lemon is a big, strong receiver who is a good blocker, which helps their run-heavy scheme led by Christian McCaffrey. Lemon has shown the ability to make plays with the ball in his hands as well, and he is a steal at 18 for San Francisco."
After selecting Lemon, the 49ers shift their focus to the offensive line, drafting not one but two tackles with their next two picks. The first is Ohio State's Austin Siereveld, whom Weil projects to San Francisco in the second round.
"With Brock Purdy now in San Francisco, it is essential to protect that investment, and Austin Siereveld appears to be a good fit for long-term success," Weil wrote. "He is a big, strong lineman who finishes blocks without hesitation and regularly pancakes his defenders. Some NFL coaching could help him reach his potential as a power blocker, as he sometimes lacks fundamental consistency."
Weil then has San Francisco using its third-round pick on Stanford offensive tackle Niki Prongos, adding another much-needed piece to an offensive line that has long needed investment. Prongos' Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade has jumped from 63.0 in 2024 to 73.9 in 2025, and at 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds, he brings prototypical size for a long-term anchor up front.