The San Francisco 49ers will be an interesting team to watch during the 2026 NFL Draft. Many fans and analysts expect San Francisco to take an offensive tackle in the first round. Two national analysts disagree on which tackle prospect the 49ers should target in a new round of mock drafts.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. released his final mock draft of the offseason on Wednesday. Kiper has San Francisco taking a shot on Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor in the first round.
“The 49ers are still working toward a resolution with Trent Williams on his contract situation, but this pick works regardless of the outcome,” Kiper wrote. “The legendary left tackle is turning 38 during training camp this summer, meaning San Francisco has to think about the future no matter what. Iheanachor started 31 games in college, has long 33⅞-inch arms and is quick out of his set. But he’s also relatively new to football, having never played before 2022. He could use a little time to develop before eventually becoming the guy.”
Iheanachor could be a good fit because he still needs time to develop on the bench. He could sit behind Williams in 2026 and learn from one of the league’s best.
Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler also released a new mock on Wednesday. However, he chose Utah’s Caleb Lomu for the 49ers.
“I don’t think the 49ers are going into draft night stressing that they must find a long-term solution at left tackle,” Brugler wrote. “But if the right player falls in their laps, it would make sense for them to go that direction — and Lomu could be that player. He is a work in progress (in several areas), but his athletic footwork and body control form a great foundation.”
Lomu could be a more natural fit than Iheanachor at left tackle. After all, he has two years of experiences starting at left tackle for the Utes.
It will be exciting to see who the 49ers actually take in the first round.
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