The San Francisco 49ers have long resisted using a premium draft pick on a potential successor to Trent Williams at left tackle. That approach has left the team in a difficult spot as Williams seeks a reworked contract. Despite turning 38 in July, the 49ers lack a proven contingency plan if the All-Pro tackle is not on the field in 2026.
Many mock drafts have projected San Francisco to address the position with its first-round pick (No. 27 overall). In his latest mock for ESPN, analyst Matt Miller had the 49ers selecting former Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu. A longtime supporter of the team, Miller has consistently urged San Francisco to invest in its offensive line—and been disappointed when it doesn't.
However, despite that projection, Miller does not appear convinced the 49ers view offensive tackle as a top priority. He suggests the team could ultimately go in a different direction on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
"In reading the tea leaves and talking to people around the league, the 49ers don't necessarily view offensive tackle as a Round 1 priority," Miller wrote on Thursday. "Instead, they have been heavily connected to wide receivers by teams when running through mock draft exercises. KC Concepcion (Texas A&M) is a name to watch."
Wide receiver is another key need for San Francisco entering the 2026 NFL Draft. The team added veterans Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, but Evans will turn 33 before the season, and Kirk is currently on a one-year deal.
Meanwhile, Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, and Skyy Moore are no longer on the roster, with Brandon Aiyuk also on his way out. That leaves third-year wideout Ricky Pearsall as one of the few established options behind Evans and Kirk, creating a clear need for additional production and depth.
Using another first-round pick on a wide receiver such as Concepcion after selecting Pearsall at No. 31 overall in 2024 remains a very real possibility for the 49ers as they shape their roster for the future.
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