Trading Up for a Trent Williams Successor in the 2026 NFL Draft

Trading Up for a Trent Williams Successor in the 2026 NFL Draft

Much to the distress of many San Francisco 49ers fans, the team has not invested significant draft capital at offensive tackle in recent years. The last time the Niners used a premium pick on the position was 2018, when they selected Mike McGlinchey in the first round.

One 49ers beat writer is urging the team to finally break that trend by drafting a successor to Trent Williams in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Vic Tafur of The Athletic made a plea in a recent article for the 49ers to target Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor. He argues that this wouldn't be a strictly future oriented move. Instead, Tafur suggests the 49ers should start Proctor at left guard for his first few seasons. Then, when Williams eventually retires or moves on, Proctor can slide over to his natural home at left tackle.

Importantly, Tafur notes the Niners would likely have to trade up from No. 27 to ensure they land the massive 6-foot-7, 360-pound prospect. While Proctor’s stock has fluctuated due to weight management questions, checking in at 358 pounds at his Pro Day after reportedly nearing 390 in the summer, his "mass of humanity" and nimble footwork make him a rare physical talent. If the 49ers bought into Tafur’s idea, they would have to go "all in" on the trade up.

The Case for "Eating Their Vegetables"

More and more mock drafts are projecting an offensive lineman to San Francisco in Round 1. Caleb Lomu out of Utah has been the most popular name lately, with ESPN’s Peter Schrager and NFL Network’s Rhett Lewis both linking the athletic Ute to the Niners at No. 27.

For years, there has been a glaring disconnect between how fans view the offensive line and how the 49ers assess it internally. To the Faithful, the line often looks like "Trent Williams and a whole lot of average." While the unit has been "good enough" to win games, it catches consistent flak for its perceived lack of high end depth.

Tafur is right that, at some point, the 49ers need a concrete succession plan for Williams. The Future Hall of Famer is still elite, but he will turn 38 in July, and the annual tradition of renegotiating his contract, which is currently in another standoff over guaranteed money, is becoming a taxing cycle for the front office.

The Verdict

Maybe Proctor is the future. Drafting him would at least provide a plan for life after Williams, something the 49ers currently lack. However, with perhaps more pressing needs at edge rusher (following Bryce Huff's retirement) or safety, the Niners may once again choose to kick the can down the road.

Drafting tackles is never as "sexy" or “cool” as selecting a wide receiver or a dynamic pass rusher, but if Tafur has his way, the 49ers will finally eat their vegetables in Round 1 and secure the blindside for the next decade.