The San Francisco 49ers remain hopeful they can reach a contract agreement with their aging but still elite left tackle, Trent Williams. The two sides have yet to see eye to eye, but there has been little indication that a deal ultimately won't get done.
However, one CBS Sports contributor is preparing for the worst. In a recent three-round 2026 NFL mock draft, Josh Edwards projected a split between the 49ers and Williams, with San Francisco using its first-round pick on a potential replacement.
Edwards mocked the 49ers selecting Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the No. 27 overall pick.
"It seems as though the union between San Francisco and Trent Williams is coming to an end," Edwards wrote. "Caleb Lomu would ideally have a season to learn from Williams but has the athleticism to thrive in Kyle Shanahan's system."
Lomu (6-6, 308) was the sixth offensive tackle selected in Edwards' latest mock draft.
According to Pro Football Focus, Lomu 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.
49ers projected to address WR in Round 2
In the second round, Edwards has the 49ers addressing another key: wide receiver.
The team recently signed veteran wideout Mike Evans, but lost Kendrick Bourne and Skyy Moore in free agency. In addition, Brandon Aiyuk is expected to be released, while Jauan Jennings remains on the open market.
Edwards projected San Francisco to select Oklahoma wide receiver Deion Burks with the No. 58 overall pick. According to Sports Reference, Burks totaled 151 receptions for 1,669 yards and 14 touchdowns during his collegiate career, while also adding 50 rushing yards on 18 attempts.
Mock draft overlooks recent 49ers trade
Edwards also listed San Francisco selecting Kentucky offensive lineman Jalen Farmer with the No. 92 overall pick.
However, that projection overlooks a recent roster move. San Francisco traded that selection earlier this week to acquire former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, meaning the team no longer owns the pick used in the mock draft.