The San Francisco 49ers are making waves this offseason, and they're not done yet. With big names like Mike Evans joining forces with Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, the Niners have bolstered their playmaker arsenal. But there's another crucial area they're eyeing as the draft approaches-strengthening the trenches.
As the draft looms, speculation swirls around who might fall to the Niners at the No. 27 spot. While it’s a later pick, there’s optimism they can snag a quality player. Enter ESPN NFL draft analyst Matt Miller, who has laid out a compelling 7-round draft prediction for the 49ers.
Miller suggests the Niners should target Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with their first pick. "Every year, I think the 49ers will draft their offensive tackle of the future, yet it never happens," Miller notes.
With All-Pro Trent Williams nearing 38 and facing contract issues, now might be the perfect time for San Francisco to secure a successor. Lomu, who started at left tackle for the past two seasons and allowed just three sacks in 2024, fits the bill with the agility and balance crucial for the 49ers' offensive scheme.
Switching to the defensive side with their second pick, Miller has the Niners eyeing Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas at No. 58.
The 49ers struggled with sacks last season, ranking last in the league, and with edge stars Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams recovering from ACL injuries, depth is a priority. Jacas brings power to the table, and despite limited twitch, he boasts a refined pass-rush strategy.
The 49ers are clearly focused on building a formidable front on both sides of the ball, and these draft picks could be pivotal in shaping their future success.