ESPN's Peter Schrager released his first 2026 NFL mock draft, built on insights gathered during the NFL meetings in Phoenix, Arizona, last week, rather than purely his own projections.
His outlook for the San Francisco 49ers aligns with a common theme in mock drafts: fortifying the offensive line. With the No. 27 overall pick, Schrager has San Francisco selecting former Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu to help protect quarterback Brock Purdy.
"San Francisco's offensive line could be in flux if things don't get cleared up with Trent Williams' contract," Schrager wrote. "And to be honest, even if the Niners and Williams work out his deal, the team still has to be thinking about the future; Williams will be 38 years old next season.
"Lomu played left tackle for the Utes last season, and although his game is still a work in progress, he's worthy of a first-round grade. He didn't allow any sacks in 2025."
According to Pro Football Focus, Lomu surrendered just eight pressures across 383 pass-blocking snaps in 2025. While he earned a career-high 82.1 pass-blocking grade, his run-blocking grade dipped from 70.1 in 2024 to 62.0 in 2025, highlighting some room for growth.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Lomu measured 6-foot-6 and 313 pounds. He also posted a 4.99-second 40-yard dash, a 32.5-inch vertical jump, and a 9-foot-5 broad jump.
Another vote for Caleb Lomu to the 49ers
Schrager isn't alone in linking Lomu to San Francisco. NFL Network host Rhett Lewis also has the Utah standout landing with the 49ers in his first mock draft for NFL.com.
"Trent Williams is still one of the best left tackles in the NFL, but his age (he'll be 38 in July) and constant contract issues make it feel like the end is near," Lewis wrote. "I gave the 49ers a long-term solution at left tackle in this exercise last year, and I'll do it again. Lomu would get the luxury of watching Williams work for at least a year."
One more Lomu-to-49ers projection
Add CBS Sports contributor JP Acosta to the list of experts projecting Lomu to the 49ers. In his latest mock draft, the Utah product lands in the Bay Area.
"This pick addresses both the short and long term for the 49ers," Acosta wrote. "Right tackle Colton McKivitz isn't exactly locking down the job, but more importantly, Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams is 37 and seeking a new contract.
"The 49ers need to prepare for life after Williams, so they take Lomu, one of the better athletes at the position, and a smooth pass protector. He could either replace McKivitz first or develop before eventually taking over on the left side."
Could the 49ers target secondary help in Round 1?
While most projections focus on the offensive or defensive lines—or even wide receiver—USA Today's Tyler Dragon offers a different approach.
In his mock draft, Dragon has the 49ers selecting former South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse at No. 27 overall.
"The 49ers could draft an edge rusher here to pair with Nick Bosa, but a cornerback room with Deommodore Lenoir and Cisse is intriguing," Dragon wrote. "The 6-foot corner has the length and athleticism to play outside corner."
A different O-line projection for San Francisco
FS1 personality Nick Wright, co-host of First Things First, also has the 49ers addressing the offensive line in Round 1. In his mock for FOX Sports, he projects former Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller to San Francisco at No. 27.
Wright kept his reasoning simple: the 49ers must plan for the future at left tackle.
"I think the Niners need to start looking at a post-Trent Williams world, especially at his age," Wright shared.
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