ESPN analyst Field Yates recently joined NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco on the 49ers Talk podcast to break down San Francisco's strategy entering the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins next week.
The 49ers could go in multiple directions with their first-round pick, though many projections have them targeting a future replacement for Trent Williams. The All-Pro left tackle turns 38 in July and is currently involved in a contract dispute with the team—although there is optimism that the two sides will reach an agreement on a reworked deal.
Yates highlighted Alabama's Kadyn Proctor as a potential Round 1 option. At 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds, Proctor brings rare size and power, though he may be off the board before the 49ers pick at No. 27 overall.
If Proctor is gone, Arizona State's Max Iheanachor and Utah's Caleb Lomu could still be available when San Francisco is on the clock.
However, if the 49ers choose to address another position in Round 1, they would still have flexibility later in the draft. San Francisco owns just one additional pick in the first three rounds—a second-round selection—but holds four picks in Round 4.
Yates believes that Day 3 could still offer viable offensive tackle options if the 49ers opt not to prioritize the position early.
"I think once you get to the fourth round, you're saying to yourself that the upside is becoming a starter, with the practical reality along the offensive line is it could very well just be a depth piece," Yates said.
Among those Day 3 options, Yates pointed to Memphis tackle Travis Burke, a massive 6-foot-9, 325-pound prospect who offers intriguing developmental upside.
"He's just gigantic," Yates said.
Yates also mentioned several other potential targets, including Texas A&M's Dametrious Crownover, Boise State's Kage Casey, Miami's Markel Bell, Boston College's Jude Bowry, and Penn State's Drew Shelton.
Shelton measured 6-foot-5 at the NFL Scouting Combine, making him the shortest among the group, while Bell and Burke tied as the tallest at 6-foot-9. Bell also weighed in at 346 pounds, while Crownover stands out for his elite length thanks to his 35 3/8-inch arms.
Bowry, meanwhile, posted a 34.5-inch vertical jump, showcasing his athleticism.
If the 49ers decide to address offensive tackle earlier, Yates believes Florida's Austin Barber could be a strong second-round fit. San Francisco has already held a virtual meeting with Barber as part of its pre-draft evaluation process.
"Just a physical, nasty run blocker," Yates commented. "A really good athlete as well. He's a big boy. He's 6-foot-7 ... definitely has some great size."
Comments