There are other pressing needs as well. The 49ers must improve a pass rush that generated an NFL-low 20 sacks last season. Additionally, the offense could benefit from adding a young, reliable wideout to a retooled receiving corps.
With the draft set to kick off tomorrow, Garrett Podell of CBS Sports outlined each team's ideal first-round pick. For the 49ers, that meant planning for the future at offensive tackle by selecting Clemson standout Blake Miller.
"Yes, the San Francisco 49ers did re-sign All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams to a two-year contract," Podell wrote. "However, he dealt with injuries last year and will turn 38 years old in July. Blake Miller enters the NFL with 54 starts at Clemson: he's ready to play NFL football."
Miller logged a school-record 3,778 offensive snaps during his college career. In 2025, he started all 13 games and led the team with 885 offensive snaps, earning first-team All-ACC honors. His 54 career starts are the most in Clemson history by a non-specialist.
According to Pro Football Focus, Miller posted career-best marks in 2025, including a 78.5 overall offensive grade and an 83.5 pass-blocking grade. He allowed just two sacks and 14 total pressures while adding a 73.3 run-blocking grade.
"Even though he was a collegiate right tackle, he could learn to become the long-term answer at left tackle from Williams himself," Podell added.
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