49ers finally prepare for loss of future Hall of Famer in 2026 mock draft

It was a small surprise that the San Francisco 49ers didn't use any of their 11 draft picks on a potential replacement for left tackle Trent Williams.Williams turns 37 before this season, bringing into question his NFL future beyond the 2025 campaign.

The 49ers chose not to look for his heir apparent in this year's draft.

Instead they kicked that can into 2026, so it makes sense they'd look for his replacement in an early 2026 mock draft by ESPN's Matt Miller.

In Miller's projection, the 49ers had a nice year and landed the 23rd pick where they selected recent University of Oregon transfer Isaiah World.

Via ESPN:Many thought the 49ers would draft the eventual successor to All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, who turns 37 in July.

But San Francisco passed on tackles in the 2025 draft, so that need still exists.

World transferred to Oregon after dominating at Nevada, and the 6-foot-8, 310-pounder has all-world potential with his elite reach, elite agility and experience.

The 49ers need to get younger at core positions, and left tackle should be atop their wish list.It wouldn't be a surprise to see World's draft stock skyrocket well beyond this range if he does put together a big year for the Ducks.

His physical traits are eye-popping and he put up the production last season at Nevada to match.

He allowed only 15 pressures and one sack according to Pro Football Focus.

A bonus here for the 49ers is that World has experience on both sides of the offensive line.

As a freshman he started all 10 games he played for the Wolfpack, including nine at right tackle.

Since then he has started all 25 games he's played at left tackle.

Assuming he stays healthy this year he'll log nearly 50 starts in college.

If Williams plays into his age 38 season in 2026, World should be able to slide in at right tackle to hold down that spot until the 49ers need to fill a vacancy in Williams' spot.

Whether Williams returns for 2026 remains to be seen, but the 49ers shouldn't wait any longer to find his replacement.

Even if it isn't World, Miller should be spot on with his projection of an offensive tackle in Round 1 for the 49ers.

More 49ers: 6 reasons for optimism about the 49ers going into 2025This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 2026 NFL mock draft: 49ers select Trent Williams replacement.

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