The San Francisco 49ers are ready to make some noise during the 2026 NFL Draft. San Francisco enters the draft with six total selections, including the 27th overall pick in the first round. But one recent transaction could create more opportunities for San Francisco in the first round of the draft.
The 49ers and veteran left tackle Trent Williams agreed to a two-year extension worth $50 million on Monday. Now the 37-year-old tackle is under contract in San Francisco through the 2028 season.
Many analysts expect the 49ers to draft a replacement for Williams in the first round of the draft. But does that still seem like the right approach after Williams’ new extension?
Here’s what San Francisco should do with their first-round pick after extending Williams.
The 49ers should grab the best player available at 27th overall
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
There is no question that Williams is still an elite left tackle. The only uncertainty is how long he will continue to play in the NFL before retiring.
Williams seemingly has a few more years left in the tank after Monday’s contract agreement. San Francisco should feel comfortable relying on Williams in 2026 and possibly beyond that.
The 49ers could still draft an offensive tackle in the first round. However, this Williams news makes adding a left tackle of the future less of a pressing need than it was a few days ago. As such, the 49ers simply have more options in the draft.
Most NFL teams prefer to take the best player available in the draft, regardless of their current positions of need. Taking this approach helps increase the chances that teams actually draft good players instead of simply filling their biggest need first.
San Francisco would be wise to let the draft come to them this year. Especially considering they only have six total picks.
The 49ers should stick and pick in their current spots or trade down and gain more picks. Either way, they should not feel forced to take a tackle in the first round.
Which prospects could be in play for San Francisco at 27?
San Francisco could have their pick of several talented players if they are comfortable passing on offensive tackle.
The 49ers could address their defensive line in the first round. This year’s draft class does not have elite talent at defensive tackle. In fact, every single defensive tackle prospect could be on the board at 27.
Peter Woods (Clemson) should be an option for San Francisco, as he would immediately bring some juice to their interior pass rush. He could immediately start next to Osa Odighizuwa and Alfred Collins on San Fran’s new 3-4 defense. Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) could also be in play if the 49ers want to add a solid run defender instead.
The 49ers might also consider adding an edge rusher to join Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams. Keldric Faulk (Auburn) is one prospect who could still be there towards the end of the first round. Faulk does not turn 21 years old until September, which shows how much development could be in store for him. If San Francisco’s coaching staff is up for a project, they could mold Faulk into a star player.
Finally, the 49ers could scoop up any talented players who happen to surprisingly fall to the bottom of the first round. For example, they could add tight end Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) as an heir apparent for George Kittle if he is still there at 27.
Ultimately, San Francisco doesn’t need to force a pick at 27. The 49ers should enter the draft with an open mind and soak up value wherever they can.
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