Just what the doctor ordered for San Francisco’s offensive line…

The San Francisco 49ers have spent a first-round pick on an offensive lineman only once during the Kyle Shanahan era, but the 2026 NFL Draft may very well mark the second such occasion.

Having a surefire Hall of Famer in Trent Williams at left tackle, plus a schematic mastermind like Shanahan, can cover a lot of flaws in the trenches. However, the Niners could lift their offense to the next level with a savvy upgrade at left guard that should be available to them on Day 1 of the draft.

We’re talking about a prospect the team’s more local scouts should be all over. His name is Emmanuel Pregnon, and he has all the makings of an All-Pro guard.

Emmanuel Pregnon is an X-factor who can unlock new levels to 49ers offense with 27th overall pick

Shanahan’s system is built around an outside-zone running scheme, spearheaded by Christian McCaffrey. Having athletic offensive linemen is a must, and Williams is the true X-factor on the perimeter who makes it go with his exotic movement skills.

Third-year right guard Dominick Puni has proven to be a big hit as a third-round pick who started from the jump. If the Niners paired Puni with another supreme athlete like Pregnon on the interior, this San Francisco rushing attack would be as lethal as ever.

In his final season at Oregon, Pregnon logged a 93.0 PFF zone blocking grade. The film is the film, y’all.