The 2026 NFL Draft, or Draftmas as some of us may affectionately call it, is almost upon us.
In a week, many members of The Faithful will be in front of their TV. Others will be holding their phone close, eager to see who the pick will be.
Ask any fan who they think the 49ers should pick. You'll get a list of several positions the 49ers should address, and which prospect should be drafted to address each position.
However, there is one position that usually comes up most often: left tackle.
And it makes sense, too. Trent Williams is still one of the best in the NFL at his position, but he is approaching 40 years old and has shown signs of regression over the last two seasons. It absolutely makes sense for the 49ers to draft his eventual replacement with the 27th pick in the first round, right?
Hold that thought, because the evidence shows that it is likely not the case. If you look at who the 49ers have played at the left tackle position under Shanahan, you’ll notice one thing the two have in common.
They were NFL veterans.
When the 49ers learned in 2020 that Joe Staley was planning to retire, they traded for Trent Williams to take his place instead of drafting fan favorite Tristan Wirfs.
Some will say their selection was due to the 49ers needing to draft a replacement for DT DeForest Buckner after trading him to the Colts.
Fair argument, except the 49ers have followed the strategy of signing a veteran over drafting a successor at the center position. The 49ers signed Weston Richburg, then Alex Mack, and currently have Jake Brendel manning the center position.
What this shows is that Shanahan trusts a veteran at two very important areas on the offensive line: center, and the position most of The Faithful want addressed, a successor to Trent Williams at left tackle.
But one of the nuances of a Shanahan run offense is its complexity, so having a veteran at the left tackle position allows Shanahan to only worry about teaching the player the offensive scheme instead of the offense and how to play the position at the NFL level.
Does drafting a left tackle at pick 27 in the first round make sense?
To the fan base, absolutely.
To the 49ers, not so much.
Sorry for the absence. I spent the last two months focused on finding another job since the place I previously worked shut down. I finally found something, and I start next week.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to aim at providing one article a week, but no promises.
Glad to hear!
DeleteThanks Razor.
DeleteMID,
DeleteNice to have you back, and all the best on your future endeavors.
Nice to have you back Mid!
DeleteI think they've put themselves in position to take BPA by filling their needs through Free Agency. They could use a vet S but it's slim pickings. According to Lynch they're not done at LG. Likely means another vet like Bitonio, draft pick or trade.
ReplyDeleteIf there’s a bona fide edge rusher, left tackle, or receiver available at 27, grab him. From what I understand, there probably won’t be. In that case, I think they should trade back into the early second round and pick up Oregon’s left guard, Pregnon. One thing that stood out was how the Niners’ front line, including Williams, looked passive against elite defenses. Pregnon brings some attitude, and paired with Toth at center, the Niners’ front line could be a lot more aggressive. (I know Brendel is still the center...)
ReplyDeleteAre you predicting Toth beats out Brendel? They might want Toth as their primary backup to center and a dedicated starter at LG.
DeleteAn edge rusher is possible, but I think they'll wait until the second day of the draft to take one Under. Same with wide receiver.
DeleteI don't think they'll draft a LT even if the prospect is bona fide. Shanahan seems to lean towards wanting a veteran presence at the starter.
Louisiana Tech DB Jakari Foster led the NCAA with 8 Ints last season. Can play deep third, runs like a maniac from box to shell, and he's got some good press slot reps, too.
ReplyDeleteUCF edge rusher Nyjalik Kelly 12 1/2 sacks, 22 1/2 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles playing for Miami and UCF. Has 35-inch arms and 10 1/2-inch hands. 6-5 1/2, 263 pounds.
ReplyDeleteVery active along the LOS. He could also fill out another 10-15 lbs that would help him not to be pushed back.
ReplyDeleteOther than that, he looks like a day 3 gem with a little work.
The only FBS EDGE prospects since 2015 with a pressure rate > 1/4, a win rate in true pass sets > 27.50%, and a run stop rate > 10.00% in their 'best' college season..
ReplyDelete🔘 Abdul Carter, Penn. State
🔘 Jaishawn Barham, Michigan
🔘 Micah Parsons, Penn. State
Nice write up Mid. One thing to think about re your argument about not wanting a rookie at LT - if they took a LT at 27, would he actually be starting as a rookie?
ReplyDeleteThey aren't likely to trade TW away, so I think it would be a case of letting the rookie sit a year. I could see them potentially going that route, as the chances of getting a good vet to replace TW next year aren't high, and would cost a mint.
Great point Razor, but with the 49ers being in a win now mode, I don't think it's likely the 49ers want their first round pick to sit for a year. Instead, I think they'll target a safety or edge rusher in the first round to help out that Raheem Morris defense.
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