49ers predicted to draft Trent Williams' heir with 6-foot-7 Georgia OT
· Yahoo Sports
49ers predicted to draft Trent Williams' heir with 6-foot-7 Georgia OT originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The San Francisco 49ers have some big needs entering the 2026 NFL Draft and the offseason. Wide receiver and pass rusher are two big holes to address.
Visit sport-newz.biz for more information.
But, while those are immediate needs, the 49ers also have some other needs that are more long-term. One of those is what to do with Trent Williams once he retires or leaves in free agency.
To address such long-term uncertainty, NFL.com's Charles Davis, in his latest mock draft, has the Niners taking 6-foot-7 Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Monroe Freeling to be Williams' heir.
49ers predicted to draft Georgia OT as Trent Williams heir apparent
"Yes, presuming the Niners and their All-World OT figure out a way around his $38.8 million cap hit in 2026, Trent Williams will be entrenched at left tackle," Davis writes, "but Freeling would get a great opportunity to learn from the best before he's asked to take over at the position."
Davis is predicting the 49ers take an offensive tackle in Freeling at 27th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. While the team could use more pass rushers or wide receiver help, landing a long-term solution at offensive tackle isn't a bad idea.
Freeling might need to start right away as well if Williams doesn't return, which would make the offensive tackle the biggest on the team.
But, even if Williams does return for another year or two, adding someone like Freeling would be a smart decision this offseason.
More: Romeo Doubs could replace Jauan Jennings amid FA link
Freeling is a young offensive tackle with very high upside. At 6-foot-7, 315 pounds, Freeling ran a 4.93 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.
He's a very athletic offensive tackle who's played at a prestigious university and against some of the top competition in the country.
While he might need some time to develop, Freeling could turn into a plus starter for the 49ers if they develop him properly. And give him a year learning from Williams, the Georgia OT could be more than ready when his number is called.