The Trench Priority: Why the 49ers Must Draft an OT at #27 in Pittsburgh
The Seattle game was a brutal wake-up call. Watching Brock Purdy run for his life highlighted a truth we've been avoiding: the post-Trent Williams era is approaching. With Williams turning 38 this year and key depth pieces like Spencer Burford and Ben Bartch hitting free agency, the #27 pick in Pittsburgh must be spent in the trenches.
| Player | Position | Start Year | End Year | Age | Total Value | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Banks | LG | 2022 | 2025 | 28 | $7,073,602 | $1,768,401 |
| Spencer Burford | G | 2022 | 2025 | 25 | $4,001,008 | $1,000,252 |
| Nick Zakelj | G | 2022 | 2025 | 26 | $3,830,628 | $957,657 |
| Ben Bartch | G | 2025 | 2025 | 27 | $1,215,000 | $1,215,000 |
| Trent Williams | LT | 2024 | 2026 | 37 | $82,660,000 | $27,553,333 |
| Jake Brendel | C | 2023 | 2026 | 33 | $16,500,000 | $4,125,000 |
| Dominick Puni | G | 2024 | 2027 | 25 | $5,654,120 | $1,413,530 |
| Jarrett Kingston | G | 2024 | 2027 | 25 | $4,115,000 | $1,028,750 |
| Colton McKivitz | RT | 2025 | 2028 | 30 | $45,000,000 | $15,000,000 |
The Competition: Who Picks an OT First?
Picking at #27 means the 49ers must dodge a potential “run on tackles.” Several teams ahead of them are desperate for protection:
- Arizona Cardinals (#3): Heavily linked to top-tier tackles to bookend Paris Johnson Jr.
- Tennessee Titans (#4): Always a threat to take the highest-rated lineman available.
- New York Giants (#5): Seeking a reliable starter opposite Andrew Thomas.
- Dallas Cowboys (#20): A major threat to snag the 49ers’ preferred target just seven picks earlier.
Available Talent: The Late First-Round Gems
While the “Big Three” prospects will likely be gone, the 2026 class is deep with athletic tackles who fit Kyle Shanahan’s zone-run scheme.
| Prospect | School | Why He Fits the 49ers |
|---|---|---|
| Caleb Lomu | Utah | The Fan Favorite. Elite mobility and pass-blocking grades (82.1 PFF). |
| Isaiah World | Oregon | Massive 6-8 frame; the prototypical size for a modern blindside protector. |
| Monroe Freeling | Georgia | Battle-tested in the SEC; a high-upside piece to groom behind Trent. |
| Austin Barber | Florida | A reliable “nasty” finisher who can play both right and left tackle. |
The Verdict: Protect the Franchise
Absolutely. Drafting a player like Caleb Lomu allows the 49ers to start him at Right Tackle immediately — upgrading over Colton McKivitz — while grooming him to eventually succeed a legend. To keep Purdy upright and the Super Bowl window open, the choice at #27 is clear.
Niners Faithful Engagement Post:
“The 2026 Free Agent list is OUT, and our O-Line depth is taking a hit! 🛡️ With Burford and Bartch potentially gone and Trent getting older, is Tackle the ONLY choice at #27? After that Seattle game, I don’t see any other option. Who are you taking in Pittsburgh? 👇 #49ers #Niners #NFLDraft #FTTB #BrockPurdy #TrentWilliams”
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