Multiple mock drafts show varying predictions for the San Francisco 49ers' first-round pick, with a notable mention of Caleb Lomu. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. suggests the team may select an offensive tackle, Max Iheanachor, in the first round.
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Caleb Lomu #OL33 of Utah participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 1, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
You can tell when information gets leaked in the NFL. For example, this past week, three separate mock drafts had the Dallas Cowboys not only trading up, but to No. 6. Weāre not seeing the same prospects being mocked to the San Francisco 49ers. Sure, there is some overlap, but the lack of consistency is a sign that nobody knows whatās to come when the Niners are on the clock.
ESPNās Mel Kiper Jr. recently did a 2-round mock, where the 49ers selected an offensive tackle in the first round:
Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
The 49ers areĀ still working toward a resolutionĀ withĀ Trent WilliamsĀ on his contract situation, but this pick works regardless of the outcome. The legendary left tackle is turning 38 during training camp this summer, meaning San Francisco has to think about the future no matter what. Iheanachor started 31 games in college, has long 33ā -inch arms and is quick out of his set. But heās also relatively new to football, having never played before 2022. He could use a little time to develop before eventually becoming the guy.
Caleb Lomu is an offensive lineman from Utah who has gained attention in mock drafts for his potential fit with the 49ers.
Max Iheanachor is an offensive tackle who played at Arizona State University.
The inconsistency suggests uncertainty about the 49ers' strategy and potential picks as the draft approaches.
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Regardless of which players are available, Iheanachor should be under strong consideration if heās on the board. The 49ers followed that up with an EDGE in round two:
Gabe Jacas, DE, Illinois
The Niners were downĀ Nick BosaĀ andĀ Mykel WilliamsĀ last season, and their respective returns will do wonders to the edge rush. But thereās no getting around the teamās 20 sacks last season, by far the lowest total in the league. Jacas had 11 sacks last season; he would at the very least provide depth in case starters go down again.
Jacas plays the 49ersā brand of football. Heās one of the best-case scenarios for San Francisco if heās on the board in the second round.
The Athleticās mock went a full 7-rounds. Here were the 49ersā selections:
I donāt think the 49ers are going into draft night stressing that theyĀ mustĀ find a long-term solution at left tackle. But if the right player falls in their laps, it would make sense for them to go that direction ā and Lomu could be that player. He is a work in progress (in several areas), but his athletic footwork and body control form a great foundation.
49ers, No. 58: Germie Bernard WR Alabama
127: CB Will Lee, Texas A&M
133: OG Beau Stephens, Iowa
138: EDGE George Gumbs Jr., Florida
139: TE Jack Endries, Texas
Thatās a rare mock that would receive a thumbs down from me. Bernard and Stephens are good values. Iām not sure you can say the same about any other pick.
Bleacher Report had the Niners doubling down with pass catchers for their first two picks:
No. 27: Denzel Boston
The San Francisco 49ers continue to reshape their wide receiver corps after moving on from Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and possible Jauan Jennings.
Future Hall of Famer Mike Evans is now the passing gameās centerpiece, with far more expected of former first-round pick Ricky Pearsall. Christian Kirk was also brought in to help. But the 49ersā front office canāt overlook Evansā age, Pearsallās injury history and Kirkās recent play.
āDenzel BostonĀ is a strong fit for Kyle Shanahanās offense,ā Parson said. āHe wins on contested catches, back-shoulder fades and working across the middle of the field. He is a near-perfect pick to be Evansā understudy. The opportunity to provide quarterback Brock Purdy with ample weapons should be a priority for the Niners.ā
58.Ā San Francisco 49ers: TEĀ Sam Roush, Stanford
One of Roushās comparisons on Mockdraftable is Charlie Woerner. Another is Tyler Warren. Heās an elite athlete, but still in the 90th percentile weight-wise, suggesting he will hold up as a blocker against the run and the pass.
USA Today had the 49ers selecting Lomu in the first round, but then trading down four spots in the second round with the Denver Broncos, where they picked up pick No. 170. The Niners would end up trading up in the fourth round for a wide receiver:
Nick BosaĀ should be back healthy in 2026, and the team got a pass-rush boost withĀ Osa OdighizuwaĀ arriving via trade.Ā But the team could use more pass rushers to fill out the edge room, especially with 2025 first-rounderĀ Mykel WilliamsĀ having more of an impact as a run defender early on. Lawrence is full of tools with prototypical size and elite burst off the line. Heās more of a projection at this point but could develop well under Kris Kocurek.
Tampa Bay sends No. 116 overall to San Francisco for No. 127 overall and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
WR Deion Burks to the San Francisco 49ers:Ā After Reggie Virgil came off the board to Baltimore, San Francisco knew they had to trade up to get some speed at wide receiver. Burks is a dynamic addition to the teamās pass-catching corps.
San Francisco 49ers: S VJ Payne, Kansas State
San Francisco 49ers: CB Hezekiah Masses, Cal
San Francisco 49ers: Edge George Gumbs Jr., Florida
San Francisco 49ers (via Broncos): LB Justin Jefferson, Alabama
Lawrence at No. 62 feels like youāre chasing Bryce Huff when in reality, that kind of player got you in a situation that moved you further away from the great defenses you fielded under this regime. Burks and Masses are good players.
Todd McShayās mock had the 49ers selecting Lomu over Iheanachor, something I would not do:
This is a forward-thinking move for San Francisco. The 49ers would draft Lomu with the plan to develop him into the starting left tackle by 2027, as Trent Williams is set to turn 38 in a few months. Lomu shows impressive natural instincts for the position, though heās still relatively inexperienced, with just 24 starts (all at left tackle) over the past two seasons. Heās a bit high-cut and could stand to add more bulk, but heās a high-level athlete with the quickness, balance, and mirroring ability you look for at the position.
Lomu is a popular pick, as mock drafters are convinced the 49ers will look for Trent Williamsā replacement in the first round. Iāll believe it when I see it.