Writer identifies 49ers' ideal Round 1 pick in 2026 NFL Draft

The San Francisco 49ers have several directions they could take with the No. 27 overall selection in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. After signing Trent Williams to a two-year, $50 million extension, some question the organization's sense of urgency in selecting the All-Pro left tackle's eventual successor.

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.