It was something of a shocker the San Francisco 49ers waited until Round 7 of the 2025 NFL Draft to grab an offensive lineman, finally settling on Iowa guard Connor Colby as the lone O-line selection.
Colby might not even make the Niners' initial 53-man roster, meaning the incumbent group (sans now-Green Bay Packers left guard Aaron Banks) will carry over from 2024.
It's possible general manager John Lynch and Co. were merely tabling any O-line needs until later. The approach makes some sense, given right tackle Colton McKivitz is still under contract through 2025, while future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams recently indicated he has no intention of retiring anytime soon.
Still, that doesn't mean San Francisco should wholly avoid finding long-term replacements.
In a recent three-round mock by Pro Football Network's Joe DeLeone, the 49ers find an answer to both pending question marks with their top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
49ers draft Colton McKivitz's replacement (and Trent Williams' heir) in Round 1 of PFN mock
Selecting at No. 25 overall, DeLeone has the Niners using their first-round pick on Auburn offensive tackle Xavier Chaplin.
"Xavier Chaplin possesses the length and physical play style to be an impactful starting offensive lineman in the NFL," DeLeone described the prospect. "As Trent Williams ages out, an heir to his position should be on the San Francisco 49ers' radar for this draft."
What DeLeone didn't go into, however, is how the transfer out of Virginia Tech could immediately slide into the right tackle spot, given McKivitz is likely to command a sizable contract on the free-agent market a little less than a year from now.
Assuming Williams continues to play in 2026, the 6-foot-7 and 338-pound would-be rookie emerges as a day-one starter on the right side, honing his pro-level skills immediately while being groomed to eventually take over for Williams.
Sure, an eventual move to the left side means the Niners again have to seek out another right tackle in the not-too-distant future.
But, for now, Lynch and Co. would have their starting right tackle and would-be Williams replacement all in one.
Of note, DeLeone has San Francisco grabbing LSU wide receiver Barion Brown in Round 2 and Indiana defensive end Mikail Kamara in Round 3.