New on Caleb Lomu's draft stock sees the Utah left tackle become a natural fit for the 49ers if they address tackle early in the 2026 NFL Draft. Can Lomu become the heir they desperately need?
With the San Francisco 49ers yet again in another contract standoff with left tackle Trent Williams, it's becoming more and more apparent they need some sort of insurance policy and future left tackle on the roster.
Regardless of the outcome of these discussions between front office and Williams, this highlights the fragile situation the Niners are in if they wish to go even further into the playoffs next season. As it so happens while there isn't a truly elite offensive tackle prospect in the draft this season, there are some intriguing prospects for the team to consider.
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One such prospect is Caleb Lomu, who did a good job at left tackle for Utah.
Lomu's draft position seems to be in the late first-round area, which would be intriguing for a team like San Francisco.
Walter Football's draft analyst Charlie Campbell reported on the draft stock for Lomu:
"Sources from multiple teams said that Lomu looked like a future starting left tackle in the NFL. They felt he was solid on tape, but not dominant. They felt similarly about his skill set, that he was well-rounded but not special or elite. From a makeup standpoint, sources say Lomu has very good character. Some felt that he should go on the second day of the draft from his tape and skill set, but because he could start at a premium position, he will end up being a late first-round pick. Multiple sources felt that going in the top 20 was too high for Lomu."Charlie Campbell, Walter Football
Lomu is a player who demonstrate solid fundamentals with his hand placements and his ability to slide out at left tackle. He's not an overpowering tackle by any means at 304 pounds, but has the frame to fill it out at 6-foot-6.
The knock on Lomu which will shift him down is he isn't a player blessed with overwhelming strength or freakish ability, but he's still perfectly functional for the NFL in both areas. These areas aren't too concerning as long as he has the technique.
If Lomu does fall to the 49ers, he represents a chance to get a solid left tackle for the future and if Williams does stay, a chance to learn under one of the best in the modern era while maybe being at guard early one.
Lomu looms as a truly interesting choice for a team desperate for help on the interior.