4 Best Offensive Tackle Fits for the 49ers in the 2026 NFL Draft

The San Francisco 49ers are looking to draft an offensive tackle in the 2026 draft to possibly replace Trent Williams.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:21pm by

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting an NFL offensive line, with players' bodies and equipment broken down into overlapping planes of dark blue, gold, and red, conveying the strategic complexity of the position.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the complex interplay of an NFL offensive line, hinting at the strategic challenges the 49ers face in finding the right tackle prospect.San Francisco Today

The article discusses four potential offensive tackle prospects that would be good fits for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2026 NFL Draft. The prospects highlighted are Proctor, Bowry, Burke, and Cruz, each with their own strengths and potential to replace veteran tackle Trent Williams.

Why it matters

The 49ers need to find a long-term solution at offensive tackle to protect their quarterback and open up running lanes. Identifying the right prospect in the draft is crucial for the team's future success.

The details

Proctor is considered the best potential option for the 49ers in the first round, as he could come in and be a starting-caliber player at guard immediately. Bowry may be the best combination of fit and draft cost, with excellent footwork and upside. Burke has immense upside and potential as a massive, fluid mover, but is more of a project. Cruz is a late-round option with the size and movement skills to fit the 49ers' scheme, though his draft slot may be a concern.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

Proctor

A potential first-round offensive tackle prospect who could come in and be a starting-caliber player at guard for the 49ers immediately, with the physical traits to potentially replace Trent Williams down the road.

Bowry

An offensive tackle prospect who may be the best combination of fit and draft cost for the 49ers, with excellent footwork and upside that could allow him to sit behind Trent Williams for a year or two before taking over.

Burke

An offensive tackle prospect with immense upside and potential as a massive, fluid mover, but is more of a project player who would need time to develop.

Cruz

A late-round offensive tackle prospect who fits the 49ers' zone blocking scheme, with the size and movement skills to be a potential option, though his draft slot may be a concern.

Trent Williams

The veteran offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers who the team is looking to potentially replace in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Proctor is the best potential option for the 49ers in the first round. He could come in right now and be a starting NFL-caliber player at guard. So, the 49ers could get instant impact out of him. Meanwhile, his physical traits present an upside that shows a player who could step in for Williams down the road.”

— Parker Hurley, Author

“Bowry may be the best combination of fit and draft cost. His footwork is excellent and presents upside that is untapped. He is a bit inexperienced and needs to get a few things under control, so a year or two sitting behind Williams would be all that he needs.”

— Parker Hurley, Author

“Burke is even more of a project than Bowry, but his upside and potential may be even greater. He is a massive person and a fluid mover. When he gets his hands on you, you feel it.”

— Parker Hurley, Author

What’s next

The 49ers will evaluate these and other offensive tackle prospects leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April 2026.

The takeaway

The 49ers have a critical need to find a long-term solution at offensive tackle in the 2026 draft, with Proctor, Bowry, Burke, and Cruz emerging as potential fits that could help replace the aging Trent Williams. Identifying the right prospect is crucial for the team's future success.