The 49ers have to be thinking about life after Trent Williams, and that's what they opt to address in Sports Illustrated's 2026 mock NFL Draft.
The San Francisco 49ers appear confident perennial All-Pro left tackle and future Hall of Famer Trent Williams won't abruptly retire in 2025 despite inching closer to the unheard-of 40-year-old NFL player mark.
If they were worried about Williams' immediate future, they would have used at least some serious assets on finding a replacement. Granted, the Niners inked veteran tackles, D.J. Humphries and Andre Dillard, just after the 2025 NFL Draft concluded. But neither is seen as a true long-term replacement, rather just depth and insurance for this year.
Turning 37 years old this summer, Williams' longevity is in doubt. While San Francisco's 2025 draft class focused mainly on the defense, one might assume upgrading the offense (and finding Williams' heir apparent) would be a top priority when April of 2026 rolls around.
That's precisely what Sports Illustrated's Daniel Flick is thinking, too, in a too-early 2026 Round 1 mock.
49ers grab Trent Williams' replacement in 2026 mock NFL Draft
Nearly any option the 49ers have for a future left tackle will be a downgrade from Williams. That's understood.
However, the Niners can explore some promising up-and-coming talent, especially if there are other-worldly qualities there.
So, with the 27th overall pick in 2026, San Francisco grabs Oregon offensive tackle Isaiah World.
Flick described the selection by writing:
"The 49ers need to find an eventual successor—or, in 2026, immediate replacement—for left tackle Trent Williams, and World fits the bill. After a pair of All-Mountain West honorable mention campaigns, World transferred to Oregon this spring. The 6' 8", 309-pounder is big and powerful, has experience at both left and right tackle and he allowed just one sack and two quarterback hits last season, according to Pro Football Focus."
World has all of 2025 to improve what's already a budding draft stock, too, potentially rising in the ranks toward becoming the best offensive line talent in next year's class. Shifting to Oregon, a venue where 49ers scouts spent plenty of time last spring in the pre-draft leadup, could help cement World on the Niners' radar.
A hidden bonus, as Flick also noted, World could step in as a plug-and-play right tackle, too, if Williams ultimately decides to keep playing beyond 2025.
After all, right tackle Colton McKivitz is poised to hit free agency after this year, meaning San Francisco has to weigh that long-term option, too.
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