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The San Francisco 49ers have long delayed investing premium draft capital in a top offensive tackle. That approach could finally change in 2026, with All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams set to turn 38 ahead of the season.

Adding to the urgency of the situation is Williams’ ongoing contract standoff with the 49ers. He is scheduled to carry a cap hit exceeding $46 million in 2026—an amount the team would prefer to reduce. Meanwhile, Williams is likely fighting for every dollar in what could be his final NFL contract.

Williams holds considerable leverage, knowing that the 49ers don’t have a succession plan in place. Losing him for the season would create a major void—one that could put quarterback Brock Purdy at risk.

NFL Media analyst Mike Band believes he has identified a long-term solution. In his latest first-round mock draft for NFL.com, Band projects San Francisco to select former Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the No. 27 overall pick.

“Offensive line stands out as one of San Francisco’s clearest needs after the free agency frenzy, especially with no clear long-term succession plan in place behind Trent Williams, who turns 38 in July and is currently in something of a contract standoff,” Band wrote.

“Lomu would give Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch a high-upside tackle to develop behind the All-Pro left tackle while also reinforcing a front that looks thinner than it has in years.”

Lomu is the fourth offensive tackle selected and the sixth offensive lineman off the board in Band’s mock draft.

According to Pro Football Focus, Lomu allowed just eight pressures and zero sacks across 383 pass-blocking snaps in 2025. His 82.1 pass-blocking grade marked a career high, though his run-blocking grade dipped to 62.0 from 70.1 the previous season.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Lomu measured 6-foot-6 and 313 pounds. He ran a 4.99-second 40-yard dash, posted a 32.5-inch vertical jump, and recorded a 9-foot-5 broad jump.