49ers prepare for life without one of their aging star offensive players in a new 2026 NFL mock draft
A new 2026 NFL mock draft has the 49ers getting a plan together for replacing a star offensive player whose retirement could come soon.
The mountain of injuries became too much for the San Francisco 49ers to overcome, which led them to be sent home in the divisional round by their NFC West rivals, the Seattle Seahawks.
The number of injuries were high, of course, but the number of notable players that had to miss time this year was truly remarkable in all the worst ways. It did show them which of their star players they have enough depth to try to replace and which ones they do not.
A new A to Z Sports mock draft has the 49ers preparing for life without star left tackle Trent Williams by selecting a player he can mentor to become his future replacement.
49ers select Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller in a new 2026 NFL mock draft
“Trent Williams hasn’t played a full season since 2013(!), and Colton McKivitz has been frustratingly inconsistent. The 49ers need to actually invest at offensive tackle at the top of the draft, and Blake Miller has the athletic tools to fit seamlessly into Kyle Shanahan’s outside zone offense and would be a ready-made pass protector who could play both tackle spots. – AJ Schulte A to Z Sports NFL Draft analyst
Trent Williams will turn 38 in July, and, as AJ noted above, he hasn’t had a complete season since 2013. The 49ers need to be proactive about finding his replacement, and the 2026 NFL Draft has multiple options they should consider.
In this mock, they select Clemson’s Blake Miller. Miller can play either tackle spot as a rookie and could learn a ton by watching how a future Hall of Famer like Williams operates on and off the field.
Miller allowed only seven sacks during his four-year career at Clemson and gave up only nine QB hits. He has the potential to be a long-term starter in the NFL.
The opportunity to learn from one of the greatest ever to play the position would only increase his odds. When a team like the 49ers is picking near the end of the first round, you typically have to sacrifice the long-term or the future with the prospects available. I think Miller can fit well with the team’s long-term and immediate plans.
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