Niners Make Excellent Pick in Todd McShay's Mock Draft

Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils with Utah Utes offensive lineman Caleb Lomu (71) during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Lomu stands as what could be the heir apparent to follow Niners star offensive tackle Trent Williams. His addition would almost certainly be a welcome one as the 49ers look to protect starting quarterback Brock Purdy for the foreseeable future.

Presumably, Lomu would be a Houston Texan should he make it past the San Francisco 49ers at No. 27. That is, if we assume that Houston values Lomu to that degree. Both Houston and San Francisco need an offensive tackle, but the Niners are in prime position to find their selection first.

San Francisco could certainly look elsewhere to find a top player. Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood, Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker all fell below the Niners in this mock draft. Conceivably, the team could draft any of those three players and feel good about it. That said, the 49ers are likely to address their most pressing need in adding Lomu according to Todd McShay.

There is no consensus on where teams will go with their picks, but McShay is dialed into the NFL draft process. We'll see if McShay gets the Niners' selection right when they draft on April 23.