The San Francisco 49ers have their eyes on Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, and it's becoming a hot topic in the mock draft circuit. With NFL.com's Mike Band adding his voice to the chorus, Lomu is being pegged as a potential first-round pick for the Niners.
And why not? His pass-blocking skills are top-notch, though his run-blocking game still needs some seasoning.
San Francisco's need for offensive line reinforcements is no secret, especially with Trent Williams nearing 38 and currently in a contract standoff. Lomu could be the high-upside talent that head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch develop behind their All-Pro left tackle, adding depth to a thinning front line.
Lomu's pass protection is the real deal, and that’s crucial. But in Shanahan’s offense, the run game is the heartbeat.
It’s all about the outside zone and wide zone schemes, where precision in run blocking is essential. Lomu’s still learning the ropes in this area, and for a first-round pick, that’s a significant consideration.
The scouting report is clear: Lomu needs to improve his lateral movements and run-blocking positioning. In an offense where those skills are non-negotiable, drafting him as a first-rounder feels like a gamble. Sure, Shanahan has a knack for developing talent, but banking on potential can be risky when the run game is struggling.
Then there’s the Trent Williams factor. With Williams in a contract standoff, planning for his eventual successor makes sense.
But does picking his replacement in the first round complicate negotiations? That’s a question worth pondering.
Typically, teams don’t use a first-round pick on a non-quarterback to sit on the bench, even behind a legend like Williams. If Lomu is the pick, the expectation is that he’ll contribute sooner rather than later.
So, the real question might be whether Lomu is ready to start in this system right now. Based on current evaluations, that’s a tough sell.
Could he compete for a spot on the right side? It’s possible, though Colton McKivitz’s extension makes that scenario a bit awkward.
Lomu’s frequent appearance in mock drafts isn’t without reason. He’s a solid prospect, and if he’s available when the 49ers are on the clock, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them take him. But the right pick isn’t always about filling a logical need, and Lomu’s selection raises questions.
And let’s not overlook the need for an edge rusher. The 49ers’ defensive line has the potential to be dominant, but they’re missing that crucial edge piece.
Drafting Lomu might be the move, but it doesn’t solve that particular issue. Until it’s resolved, there’s room for skepticism.
Or, in a dream scenario, the 49ers snag Myles Garrett, and this becomes a moot point.