49ers Eye Future at Offensive Tackle with Potential Draft Pick
The San Francisco 49ers are looking ahead to life after Trent Williams, and ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft suggests they may address the offensive tackle position in the upcoming NFL Draft. Kiper projects the 49ers to select Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor with the 27th overall pick.
While the 49ers currently boast a Hall of Fame-level talent in Williams, the team is likely considering long-term options at the position. Williams will be 38 years old by the start of the 2026 season and is entering the final year of his contract, creating a need for a potential successor.
Kiper acknowledges Proctor’s game isn’t without its flaws, stating his “tape is all over the place,” with significant highs, and lows. However, he believes the 49ers’ environment would be ideal for Proctor’s development. “But in the right situation, he could become a standout tackle in the NFL. And there might not be a better situation than learning behind one of the best to ever do it in San Francisco,” Kiper wrote. “Trent Williams will be 38 by Week 1, and he’s entering the final year of his contract.”
The plan, according to Kiper, would be for Proctor to develop in his first year, potentially playing guard or serving as a swing tackle before potentially taking over for Williams in 2027. General Manager John Lynch could be looking for an “upside pick” with this selection.
Proctor brings impressive physical attributes to the table, standing at 6’7” and weighing 366 pounds. While the 49ers typically prioritize athleticism and movement skills in their offensive linemen, Proctor possesses surprising athleticism for his size. Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freak List” highlighted Proctor’s 32-inch vertical jump – comparable to Williams’ 34.5-inch jump, which is in the 97th percentile. He also boasts a remarkable strength profile, with an 815-pound squat, a 535-pound bench press, and a 405-pound power clean.
One potential concern surrounding Proctor is his weight. He arrived at Alabama weighing 400 pounds and maintaining a consistent weight could be a challenge at the professional level. Fluctuations in weight could impact his consistency, particularly in pass protection.
Despite these concerns, Proctor’s dominant stretches on film are undeniable. He excels at creating running lanes and possesses the ideal frame and athleticism for the position. He was the No. 1 offensive tackle prospect coming out of high school and will be just 21 years old in June, offering significant potential for growth.
Proctor’s collegiate experience is exclusively at left tackle, but he could also contribute at left guard alongside Williams, immediately bolstering the 49ers’ interior offensive line.
– The selection of Proctor represents a potential investment in the future of the 49ers’ offensive line, even as Williams remains a key contributor in the present.
