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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.<\/p>\n
Adding to the urgency of the situation is Williams\u2019 ongoing contract standoff with the 49ers. He is scheduled to carry a cap hit exceeding $46 million in 2026\u2014an amount the team would prefer to reduce. Meanwhile, Williams is likely fighting for every dollar in what could be his final NFL contract.<\/p>\n
Williams holds considerable leverage, knowing that the 49ers don\u2019t have a succession plan in place. Losing him for the season would create a major void\u2014one that could put quarterback Brock Purdy at risk.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cOffensive line stands out as one of San Francisco\u2019s 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,\u201d Band wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cLomu 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lomu is the fourth offensive tackle selected and the sixth offensive lineman off the board in Band\u2019s mock draft.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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