The San Francisco 49ers could go in several directions when they're on the clock with the No. 27 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, if recent 49ers mock drafts are any indication, one position is clearly gaining momentum as the first-round favorite: offensive tackle.
Whether the 49ers ultimately go that route remains to be seen. The team has multiple needs to address with its six total selections, and picking late in the first round only adds to the unpredictability.
Offensive tackle has been long ignored, though. The 49ers have yet to invest a high draft pick in finding a long-term successor to Trent Williams at left tackle—a need that has lingered for multiple offseasons.
That urgency may now be increasing amid ongoing uncertainty over the 49ers' contract with Williams.
Will the 49ers select Blake Miller?
In his seven-round mock draft for Pro Football & Sports Network, Ian Cummings projects the 49ers to select former Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller at No. 27 overall.
"Head coach Kyle Shanahan has insisted that the 49ers will find a way to keep offensive tackle Trent Williams around for 2026 and beyond, but even if they achieve a resolution, Williams is entering his age-38 season, and the cliff spares no man," Cummings wrote. "Eventually, it will come, and San Francisco must be ready."
Cummings views Miller as a strong candidate to eventually replace Williams, anchoring a crucial spot in front of quarterback Brock Purdy for years to come.
"Blake Miller checks every box for a first-round tackle," Cummings added. "He started 54 games at Clemson. He has stellar size at 6-foot-7, 314 pounds, with 34-inch arms. He tested as an elite athlete at the Combine, and he's a perfect fit for San Francisco's scheme that incorporates lots of wide zone and second-level action."
In the second round, Cummings has the 49ers sticking with Clemson players, selecting wide receiver Antonio Williams at No. 58 overall.
"At 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, Antonio Williams has the look of a pure slot WR, but in truth, he has the burst, agility, full route tree, release package, and contact resilience to take reps anywhere," Cummings wrote.
That's it for San Francisco's selections in the first two days of the draft. However, they own four selections in the fourth round. Here's how Cummings sees that playing out:
- Round 4, Pick 127: OG Beau Stephens, Iowa
- Round 4, Pick 133: LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
- Round 4, Pick 138: DE Romello Height, Texas Tech
- Round 4, Pick 139: DT Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M
Caleb Lomu gaining traction in 49ers mock drafts
In his first-round mock draft for The Big Lead, Matt De Lima also connects the 49ers to an offensive tackle—this time projecting former Utah standout Caleb Lomu at No. 27.
"The 49ers prioritize a succession plan for Brock Purdy's blindside," De Lima wrote. "Lomu allowed zero sacks last season and is considered one of the most technically sound pass protectors in the class."
De Lima believes it's time to finally start planning for long-term replacements for aging veterans like Williams.
"San Francisco needs to plan for the eventual departure of their veteran stars, and Lomu's natural balance and agility make him a perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan's outside-zone scheme," De Lima added.
Max Iheanachor could bolster the 49ers' offensive line
In his first-round mock draft for A to Z Sports, Ryan Roberts also has the San Francisco 49ers selecting an offensive tackle, projecting Arizona State's Max Iheanachor at No. 27 overall.
"Trent Williams is on the tail-end of his Hall of Fame career, and you could argue that both offensive tackle spots can be addressed in the near future," Roberts wrote.
Colton McKivitz is the current starter at right tackle and recently signed a contract extension with the 49ers. While he has drawn criticism from fans in the past, the veteran offensive lineman delivered a solid 2025 season—arguably the best of his career.
Meanwhile, Iheanachor has primarily played right tackle, with all but two of his more than 2,100 collegiate snaps coming at the position.
"Iheanachor has been a right tackle for the Sun Devils the last two years, but his combination of length and movement skill could project on either size," Roberts noted.
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