Trent Williams' massive extension shifts the 49ers' draft board. Will they draft his successor, a defensive star, or trade back?
Draft week has finally arrived! The San Francisco 49ers are officially on the clock, slated to start adding fresh talent to their roster this Thursday, April 23, 2026.
With the blockbuster news of Trent Williams' two year, $50 million extension breaking on Monday, the entire draft board has shifted. In this week's final roundup, analysts are grappling with how that massive extension impacts the 49ers' strategy at No. 27. While some still lean toward a "star-in-waiting" tackle, others believe the 49ers now have the ultimate flexibility to trade back or target a "best player available" at edge rusher or safety.
Take a look at the final projections from NFL Draft analysts as they try to predict John Lynch's next move:
The Final Projections
NFL.com: Chad Reuter
- Round 1, Pick 27: Caleb Lomu - OT, Utah
- Round 2, Pick 58: Germie Bernard - WR, Alabama
- Round 4, Pick 127: VJ Payne - S, Kansas State
- Round 4, Pick 133: LT Overton - EDGE, Alabama
- Round 4, Pick 138: Jude Bowry - OT, Boston College
- Round 4, Pick 139: Uar Bernard - DT, International Player Pathway
"... let's give the Niners Lomu, who is the top remaining true left tackle prospect. He gives Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch a high upside protector to develop on a win now timeline."
ESPN: Jordan Reid
- Round 1, Pick 27: Malachi Lawrence - EDGE, UCF
- Round 2, Pick 58: Gennings Dunker - G, Iowa
- Round 4, Pick 127: Charles Demmings - CB, Stephen F. Austin
- Round 4, Pick 133: Cyrus Allen - WR, Cincinnati
- Round 4, Pick 138: Bud Clark - S, TCU
- Round 4, Pick 139: Dametrious Crownover - OT, Texas A&M
"Don't be surprised if Lawrence gets his name called much earlier than expected. He's a bendy rusher with quick acceleration...Lawrence would give the 49ers a high quality rusher with closing speed to generate constant pressure. I project Dunker as an immediate competitor for the starting left guard spot."
ESPN: Mel Kiper Jr.
- Round 1, Pick 27: Max Iheanachor - OT, Arizona State
- Round 2, Pick 58: Gabe Jacas - DE, Illinois
"The legendary left tackle (Trent Williams) is turning 38 this summer, meaning San Francisco has to think about the future no matter what. Iheanachor is raw but has long 33 7/8-inch arms...The Niners managed just 20 sacks last season; Jacas had 11 last year and provides much needed depth."
NFL.com: Eric Edholm
- Caleb Lomu - OT, Utah
"Pass rush is an area the Niners need to address, but insurance on the offensive line matters, too. Lomu can be penciled in as the starter in waiting behind Trent Williams."
FOX Sports: Joel Klatt
- Caleb Lomu - OT, Utah
"Trent Williams isn’t going to play at left tackle forever. While he struggled against Texas Tech, Lomu was mostly excellent for Utah this past season."
DAZN: Jason Abbey
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren - S, Toledo
"In McNeil-Warren, San Fran adds a physical safety who is more effective in the box than Ji'Ayir Brown. Equipping Raheem Morris with someone who can replicate what Antoine Winfield achieved under him is too tempting to pass up."
With Trent Williams officially in the fold on a new $50 million deal, John Lynch noted Monday that the team "doesn't have a ton of needs," giving them the comfort to pick the best player available. Whether that is a successor to Williams, a defensive game changer, or a trade back to acquire more than their current six picks remains the biggest mystery in Santa Clara.
The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday at 5:00 p.m. PT.