Nov 28, 2025; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Utah Utes offensive lineman Caleb Lomu (71) gets ready before the snap during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Another Mock Draft has the 49ers Taking an Offensive Tackle

Originally posted on San Francisco 49ers on SI
By Jose Sanchez | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 5:00 PM ET

It's not a secret that the San Francisco 49ers need a contingency plan for Trent Williams.

The current ongoing contract dispute with him only emphasizes the need for that. Perhaps this offseason is the time the 49ers finally address a future without Williams.

Matt Miller of ESPN seems to think so. In his latest mock draft, he has the 49ers taking Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the 27th pick.

Another mock draft has the 49ers taking a tackle

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

"I feel like I predict that the 49ers will draft their offensive tackle of the future every year, yet they never do," wrote Miller. "Considering that All-Pro Trent Williams will be 38 and is in the midst of a contract impasse, this would be a good time for San Francisco to finally make that pick. Lomu started at left tackle during the past two seasons, allowing only three sacks (all in 2024). He plays with the agility and balance needed for the 49ers' offensive scheme."

This is yet another mock draft that has the 49ers going with an offensive tackle with the 27th pick. It surely has to be connected with the contract dispute with Williams.

The 49ers don't seem inclined to keep Williams for a few more seasons, which is valid. At any moment, Williams' performance can drop off a cliff.

Right now, he's still playing at an elite level, which makes it a tough decision, especially without his replacement on the roster. The 49ers could finally address that in the upcoming draft.

Lomu can be that replacement. He has the athleticism to fit in the running scheme of the 49ers to get out for a block timely, and he has strong pass-protection ability.

The best part is that he wouldn't need to start immediately. Williams is still with the 49ers for another season, so that can be the time allowed for Lomu to get faster, stronger, and familiar with the offense.

The 49ers have one of the most complex offenses that usually takes rookies a year to figure out and feel comfortable in. Of all the positions, the offensive line is the one that makes the most sense for a player to sit for a season.

Late first-round offensive tackles typically aren't polished players either. That's why so many of the best ones make it into the top-15. Sitting Lomu for a year would be for the best if the 49ers draft him.

The same goes for any other offensive tackle they may draft, which is becoming a popular position to pick for the 49ers in mock drafts. Expect another to be made soon.

Follow Jose on X (Twitter) @JS3sanchezz to interact with him on the 49ers and more.

This article first appeared on San Francisco 49ers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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