The 49ers face a critical first-round decision to secure Brock Purdy's blindside, eyeing three elite tackles to groom as Trent Williams' successor.
All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams remains the best in the business, but with a contract standoff looming and the future Hall of Famer set to turn 38 this July, the 49ers can no longer ignore the "life after Trent" conversation.
While the team signed Vederian Lowe and Robert Jones for depth in free agency, those moves address the floor and the hole at left guard, not the ceiling. At pick No. 27, John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan have a rare opportunity to draft a "heir apparent" who can develop under Williams before eventually taking over the blindside for Brock Purdy.
Here are the top three offensive line targets likely to be available at the end of the first round.
Caleb Lomu (Utah)
The Prototypical Successor
If there is a player who feels like the "consensus" pick for San Francisco at 27, it’s Caleb Lomu. At 6'6" and 313 lbs, Lomu is an elite athlete who clocked a sub-5.00 40-yard dash at the Combine, displaying the rare movement skills required for Kyle Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme.
- The Stats: An absolute wall in pass protection, Lomu posted a career high 82.1 pass-blocking grade in 2025. Over his last two seasons at Utah, he allowed only three sacks across 383 pass-blocking snaps.
- The Fit: Lomu is widely viewed as a tackle who could benefit immensely from a "redshirt" year behind Williams. He possesses the fluid hips and recovery quickness to handle NFL speed rushers, though he’ll need to add professional mass to his frame to maximize his run blocking impact.
Max Iheanachor (Arizona State)
The Project
Iheanachor is perhaps the most physically gifted tackle in this class, he’s a 325 pound behemoth with the footwork of a basketball player. A former soccer and basketball standout who didn't play football until college, he is the definition of a "high-ceiling" prospect.
- The Stats: A Second-Team All-Big 12 selection in 2025, Iheanachor’s "natural foot speed is off the charts," according to scouts. His length (34.5-inch arms) gives him a massive area of influence on the edge.
- The Fit: Because he is relatively new to the game, Iheanachor is still "raw" technically. However, his ability to mirror rushers and climb to the second level makes him a dream fit for the 49ers' system. Under the tutelage of offensive line coach Chris Foerster, Iheanachor has Pro Bowl potential as a long-term left tackle.
Blake Miller (Clemson)
The Reliable Bookend
If the 49ers want a player with the highest "floor," Blake Miller is the man. A four year starter for the Tigers, Miller has played nearly 3,800 career snaps without missing a practice or a game.
- The Stats: Miller is a power specialist with heavy hands that consistently displace defenders in the run game. He excels when asked to pull and lead the way for ball carriers.
- The Fit: While he has spent his career at right tackle, many analysts believe he can transition to the left side in the pros. He provides immediate insurance for Colton McKivitz on the right while offering a steady, dependable presence that would allow the 49ers to maintain their offensive identity if Williams were to miss time.
The Verdict
The 2026 Draft marks a crossroads for the 49ers. While the team has historically avoided using first round capital on the offensive line, the combination of Trent Williams' age and contract status makes this the perfect time to strike.
Caleb Lomu represents the best balance of immediate reliability and future upside, while Max Iheanachor offers the highest ceiling for a team willing to be patient. Regardless of the choice, securing a cornerstone tackle at No. 27 would be a major win for the long term health of the Brock Purdy era.