T
he San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for another season. 2025 will be a pivotal year for the franchise as they look to return to Super Bowl contention after missing the playoffs entirely last season. Despite losing a large number of key players from seasons past this offseason, the 49ers will also get a majority of their stars back this fall– including future Hall of Fame left tackle, Trent Williams. Williams only played in 10 games during the ’24 campaign because of an ankle injury, but is back and ready for a healthy year this time around.
But at 37-years-old, Williams is in the twilight stages of his career and the 49ers need to start thinking about life without their star blindside protector. And in a 2026 mock draft done by Pro Football and Sports Network, the 49ers make finding a replacement a priority, drafting a left tackle in the first round.
Pro Football and Sports Network’s 49ers Prediction
In PFSN’s mock, the 49ers use the 25th overall pick to select Auburn offensive tackle, Xavier Chaplin, a transfer from Virginia Tech. Chaplin started all 12 games for Virginia Tech in 2024 and earned honorable mention All-ACC honors. Now at Auburn and garnering first round attention, the 49ers could take a risk and select the 6-foot-7, 338 pound tackle to fill the void Williams will eventually leave.
“Xavier Chaplin possesses the length and physical play style to be an impactful starting offensive lineman in the NFL,” PFSN writer, Joe DeLeone wrote. “As Trent Williams ages out, an heir to his position should be on the San Francisco 49ers’ radar for this draft.”
Left tackle is arguably the most position in football– most quarterbacks are right-handed and need a strong blindside blocker. Since that is the case, the 49ers will want to think ahead and make sure that whenever Williams retires, they have a player who is ready to go.
How Much Longer Will Williams Play?
Despite his age, do not expect Williams to call it quits anytime soon. For years now, Williams has made it known that he wants to play into his 40s and be among that rare group of players. And as long as he stays healthy and continues to play at a high level, he fully intends to fulfill that goal.
“I just feel like I do myself and my teammates a disservice if I’m looking towards the end,” Williams said. “I’m paid, people count on me to be here now. We’ve got goals and aspirations as a team. I just don’t think putting brain power towards that helps us get to where we want to go. When it happens, it happens.”
“I think, one day, coming in, I should know when it’s getting that time, and then, I do the responsible thing and let them know early enough so that they can make the adjustments needed,” Williams added. “I would love to play until I’m 40. I would love to make it into that special group. But if it’s not in my cards, it’s not in my cards. But I’m gonna do everything physically possible. I’m gonna stay engaged… I’m definitely not going to retire with some left in the tank.”
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