2027 mock draft: Who do experts think the 49ers will take next year?

A former LSU signee, Heard has spent the past two seasons starting at left tackle for Tennessee and will suit up for Kentucky in 2026 -- his third SEC stop. At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, he uses his frame to dictate terms, though he may ultimately transition to the right side -- or even inside -- on Sundays.

Sports Illustrated: Pick No. 25 — Carter Smith, OT, Indiana

The 49ers gave Trent Williams a two-year contract extension three days before the draft, but they’ll have an opportunity next spring to draft and groom his replacement. Smith, the reigning Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, doesn’t inherently need much time to sit and wait—he’s entering his fourth season as Indiana’s starting left tackle—but his movement skills would fit well in San Francisco.

Pro Football Focus: Pick No. 26 — S Ty Benefield, LSU

The Boise State transfer already has a significant sample size, with 2,169 career snaps in college football. He must improve his tackling efficiency — an 18.1% career missed-tackle rate — but his versatility to align across the defense gives him significant upside as he transitions to SEC play.

FOX Sports: Pick No. 27 — Xavier Chaplin, OT, Florida State

An Auburn transfer who was forged by iron practicing against 2026 draft picks Keldric Faulk and Keyron Crawford each day in practice, Chaplin is a massive left tackle with impressive initial quickness.

The Sporting News: Pick No. 24 — K.J. Bolden, S, Georgia

The 49ers have some shaky safety play beyond Ji'Ayir Brown in coverage, so going for Bolden as the best at the position would follow.

Athlon Sports: Pick No. 25 — Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State

This defense could use more high-end talent in the secondary, and having multiple top-flight corners makes the pass rush more effective. Jones has rare size for the position and could easily play his way into a much higher draft slot this season.

Bleacher Report: Pick No. 25 — Niki Prongos, OT, Stanford

While trade rumors surfaced during previous negotiations, the San Francisco 49ers managed to work out a contract extension with left tackle Trent Williams.

Still, Williams is only under contract through the 2027 campaign and is about to turn 38. San Francisco needs to be in the market for a future franchise left tackle.

Stanford's Niki Prongos presents intriguing upside.

Sharp Football Analytics: Pick No. 25 — Carter Smith, OT, Indiana

Trent Williams did recently sign a contract extension, but he will be turning 39 before the 2027 season. Not only do they need to make plans for his replacement sooner rather than later, but they could also use an upgrade at other spots along the line that Smith could provide before he becomes the eventual replacement at left tackle.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 2027 mock draft: Who do experts think the 49ers will take next year?