With the announcement of the two-year extension for All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, the San Francisco 49ers can’t draft an offensive tackle in the first round. Let alone the first two rounds. With Williams locked in for two more years, the 49ers can’t afford to waste a pick on a tackle who won’t play for two years. The only scenario in which this strategy may work is if the tackle can play left guard and kick out when Williams is done playing.
Caleb Lomu shouldn’t be an option. Neither should Max Iheanachor, either. The 49ers should go EDGE and wide receiver with their first two picks unless a premier player falls at a different position. If this team is “win now,” then drafting a player a year or two away with your first round pick is telling a different story. It doesn’t matter which round the 49ers select an EDGE or receiver, first or second; both players need to be ready to contribute day one.
The only way to keep pace with Los Angeles and Seattle is to add depth and speed to the receiver room, while adding a speed rusher to help Nick Bosa on obvious passing downs. If the 49ers want to select a tackle that is a project, then Jude Bowry from Boston College in the fourth round is perfect. It’s a very small investment with a high ceiling outcome.
John Lynch revealed the 49ers have a first-round grade on about 20 players. That would imply the 49ers may be selecting second-round talent in the first, according to their own board. The team should look for their future tackle next season when the draft is deeper. Williams, even if he declines, still will be the best option at left tackle for the 49ers, and it should be a relief to them to know they can kick that can down the road.
The 49ers need their first two picks to be contributors. You can’t afford to select a player who is years away.
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