There's plenty of speculation the San Francisco 49ers will use their top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on a wide receiver to help reinforce what'll likely be a depleted room heading into the new season.
However, it wouldn't be overly shocking to see general manager John Lynch table those needs, especially considering how deep this year's class is at receiver, instead shifting his focus to other areas like the offensive or defensive lines.
There's a lot that can happen between pick Nos. 1 and 27, meaning the Niners have little clue who'll be available when their number is called.
But, with some developing news elsewhere in the NFC West, San Francisco's decision-making process might have gotten a little clearer.
Rams' Rob Havenstein's retirement could block 49ers from grabbing an OT
A longtime adversary for the 49ers, Los Angeles Rams veteran offensive tackle Rob Havenstein, declared his retirement after an 11-year career, putting head coach Sean McVay's squad into a bit of a bind within an uber-competitive NFC West.
#Rams RT Rob Havenstein is retiring from the NFL after 11 seasons.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 10, 2026
The former 2nd-round pick spent his entire career with the Rams, starting in St. Louis before the team moved to Los Angeles. He started all 148 games he played over his career. pic.twitter.com/CaxWb8Mw7A
It's not too shocking of a move, in all honesty. And a stacked LA roster doesn't have a ton of holes to fill this offseason anyway, perhaps considering a long-term successor to quarterback Matthew Stafford with Havenstein's replacement of the more immediate variety.
The Niners don't have to worry about their quarterback situation, of course. But finding an heir apparent to future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams is of concern, as he'll turn 38 years old by the time the 2026 season begins. And while he's openly stated there's no immediate intent to retire, San Francisco preparing now for a would-be Williams replacement is certainly a strong possibility.
It might not happen in Round 1 now, though.
Armed with two first-round picks, Nos. 13 and 29, LA seems all but guaranteed to grab an offensive tackle with one of those selections, thereby denying the 49ers a prospect they otherwise might've been interested in to succeed Williams.
True, perhaps the Niners weren't thinking about a lineman in Round 1 anyway, and Havenstein's retirement ultimately isn't their problem.
But, if San Francisco was quietly considering an offensive tackle at No. 27 overall, this news out of SoCal just altered that game plan.