49ers address their biggest future need in new ESPN mock draft

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The San Francisco 49ers currently have both of their starting offensive tackles under contract, but with Trent Williams' future in the air, general manager John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan must prepare for someone to take over at left tackle soon.

They may even be willing to take an offensive tackle in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft if it means they find a starter for the future, or someone who is an upgrade on the right side over Colton McKivitz.

In a new mock draft on Tuesday, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has San Francisco taking offensive tackle prospect Blake Miller with pick No. 27 overall for the latter reason.

"You probably see an offensive tackle to San Francisco and think "Trent Williams heir apparent." But Miller actually played 97% of his college snaps on the right side," Kiper wrote. "Perhaps he'd transition to left tackle if the Niners can't figure out Williams' contract situation, but I like Miller as an upgrade over Colton McKivitz on the right side regardless of what happens there. The 6-foot-7, 317-pound Miller would bring consistency and reliability to this O-line. (San Francisco also signed Vederian Lowe as some insurance at left tackle.)"

Miller, 22, was a three-star recruit out of Strongsville High School in Strongsville, Ohio, before committing to Clemson in 2020. Miller earned a starting job as a freshman and appeared in 54 games in his time with the Tigers while earning All-ACC honors thrice.

San Francisco just gave McKivitz an extension this past season, so it would be surprising to see the 49ers replace him less than a year later, but stranger things have happened.

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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 2026 NFL draft: 49ers take Clemson OT Blake Miller in new ESPN mock

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