The San Francisco 49ers haven't selected an offensive lineman in Round 1 of the NFL Draft since taking tackle Mike McGlinchey back in 2018, but that trend could change quickly with some short- and long-term needs on the horizon.
Picking 27th overall, general manager John Lynch might not be too impressed with the array of pass-rushers who may be available, and the needs at wide receiver were largely solved (at least in the interim) by signing veterans Mike Evans and Christian Kirk.
So, why not an offensive lineman?
While Utah's Caleb Lomu seems to be gaining traction as of late, another reasonable possibility is Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor.
And a risky one at that.
But, should Proctor be the Niners' selection in Round 1, CBS Sports' Pete Prisco lays out a scenario that might benefit all parties in the long run.
Pete Prisco: Kadyn Proctor can benefit by learning from Trent Williams
Prisco's second mock draft ahead of the April 23 kickoff date has the 6-foot-7 Proctor going to San Francisco at No. 27 overall, but even the CBS Sports analysts acknowledges the high-ceiling, low-floor nature of the boom-or-bust prospect.
However, there's room for the rookie to learn behind one of the NFL's best, future Hall of Fame tackle Trent Williams:
"When focused, he is dominant. Spending a year learning from Trent Williams will really help his game. He just needs more from a play-to-play standpoint."
Granted, Williams and the 49ers are at a contractual stalemate, although there seems to be progress as of late to a resolution. But, with Williams turning 38 years old this summer, a long-term succession plan needs to be in place.
That's where Prisco sees Proctor coming into play.
The only argument against this, though, is the Niners would be using a first-round pick on a player who likely wouldn't provide much (if any) impact right away. That might discourage Lynch and Co. from going after someone who'd need a year's time to develop, especially with several other glaring roster needs in clear view.
But, if Proctor is in the mix, having Williams around to coach him wouldn't be the worst-case scenario.