49ers Face Draft Dilemma: The Urgent Need for Offensive Line Reinforcements
As the San Francisco 49ers gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft, the focus is clear: bolster the offensive line. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has historically favored selecting skill players—those who either grip the ball or rush the passer. However, with mounting challenges in the trenches, the urgency to prioritize linemen has never been more pronounced.
A Fragile Offense and Aging Veterans
The 49ers’ current offensive struggles paint a worrying picture. Running back Christian McCaffrey is experiencing a career-low average of 3.1 yards per carry. Quarterback injuries have left the team’s aerial attack in disarray. Moreover, left tackle Trent Williams, once a cornerstone of the line, is showing signs of regression. Compounding these issues is the fact that the 49ers haven’t drafted an offensive tackle in five years. The need for change is both immediate and critical.
This isn’t just a passing concern; it’s a problem that has festered for years. With the stakes this high, Shanahan faces a pivotal decision: he must draft at least one, if not multiple, offensive linemen early in the draft.
A Promising Draft Class for Offensive Tackles
The good news for the 49ers is that this year’s draft class is particularly deep in the positions they need. Projections suggest that the team, likely picking between 15 and 25 overall, could land a game-changer. Here are some potential candidates:
1. Trevor Goosby (Texas) – At 6’7″ and 312 pounds, Goosby has shown he can handle the pressure with just one sack and eight pressures allowed throughout the season. His impressive speed, clocking in at 25 mph, makes him an ideal fit for the Niners, but his pad level needs adjustment for run blocking.
2. Caleb Lomu (Utah) – Standing 6’6″ and weighing 308 pounds, Lomu has emerged as a reliable protector, not allowing any sacks and only five pressures on 167 pass snaps. His agility in the outside zone and ability to reset quickly make him a strong candidate, although he could benefit from additional power.
3. Isaiah World (Oregon) – At 6’8″ and 312 pounds, World has been a mixed bag. He has allowed one sack and two pressures, with standout performances in run blocking, but his inconsistency raises concerns. His significant penalty history may pose challenges at the professional level.
Exploring Interior Options
While the focus has been on tackles, the interior line also requires attention. Here are two centers to consider:
1. Connor Lew (Auburn) – At 6’3″ and 303 pounds, Lew is technically sound with a high football IQ. Although he hasn’t dominated this season, his balance and technique make him a valuable prospect.
2. Jake Slaughter (Florida) – Measuring 6’4.5″ and 294 pounds, Slaughter is gaining recognition as a top-performing center this year. His explosiveness and ability to navigate to the second level quickly are appealing traits, but like many in this class, he needs to add bulk to withstand NFL power.
Guard Prospects Worth Watching
The 49ers might also consider bolstering their guard position:
1. Gennings Dunker (Iowa) – At 6’5″ and 316 pounds, Dunker is a formidable mauler who can pull effectively. While he may not fit the mold of a traditional tackle, he stands out as a guard option.
Learning from the Past
The 49ers seem to be taking notes from the franchise’s storied past, particularly the legendary Bill Walsh. The 1981 draft is a prime example of addressing pressing needs head-on. With the selection of Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott and elite cover corner Eric Wright, the 49ers transformed a struggling secondary into a championship-caliber unit.
Shanahan and general manager John Lynch must adopt a similar approach this draft season. The path forward could very well hinge on selecting Goosby or Lomu in the first round, followed by Slaughter or Dunker in the second.
The message is clear: the 49ers must seize this opportunity to fortify their offensive line or risk facing another tumultuous season ahead.
