The Seattle Seahawks shocked the world by defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60, but the NFL world never sleeps. Mock drafts are already flooding the internet, projecting where college stars will land in the 2026 NFL Draft. Could the San Francisco 49ers find their next offensive line anchor with the 27th overall pick?
Key Takeaways
- The latest mock draft from Draft Wire projects the 49ers to select Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling with the No. 27 pick.
- Freeling, a Second-Team All-SEC selection, earned an impressive 85.1 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) in 2025.
- With Trent Williams having one year remaining on his contract and Colton McKivitz recently extended through 2028, the 49ers could afford to groom Freeling for the future or consider him at guard.
- The 49ers currently have +900 odds to win Super Bowl LXI next season, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, making their offensive line a crucial area to address.
Is Offensive Line the 49ers’ Biggest Need?
The San Francisco 49ers are no strangers to the NFL Draft. After a disappointing end to their season, losing to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX, the team is looking to re-tool and prepare for another Super Bowl run. The team has already made coaching changes, and all eyes are on how they will address the roster. According to Niners Wire, Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy predicts that the 49ers will select Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling with the 27th overall pick. Freeling, a four-star recruit, has impressed scouts with his exceptional film and potential to be a day-one starter. However, with veteran Trent Williams still performing at a high level, and Colton McKivitz locked in at right tackle, the pick raises questions about immediate playing time.
“Freeling has the tools to be a dominant tackle in the NFL, but he needs some refinement,” said ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. “His athleticism is off the charts, but his technique needs work. Sitting for a year behind Williams could be exactly what he needs.” The 6-foot-7, 315-pound Freeling earned Second-Team All-SEC honors in 2025, showcasing his potential against top competition. Pro Football Focus (PFF) gave him an overall grade of 71.2 and a pass-blocking grade of 85.1, ranking him among the top offensive tackles in college football. He started the final four games of the 2024 season due to injury and held the role throughout the 2025 season.
Freeling or Bisontis: Which Lineman Fits Better?
While tackle might be the most glaring need, drafting an interior lineman may be the better move. The Niners could use help at guard, and Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis, projected to the Houston Texans with the next pick, could provide immediate assistance. Bisontis, known for his power and run-blocking prowess, could step in and contribute right away, solidifying the interior of the offensive line. However, according to ESPN’s NFL Draft rankings, Freeling is the higher-rated prospect, possessing the athleticism and versatility to play multiple positions. The question boils down to whether the 49ers prioritize immediate impact or long-term potential.
“Sometimes, you have to draft for the future, even if it means waiting a year or two for the player to develop,” said former NFL scout and current analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “Freeling has the potential to be a Pro Bowler down the road, and that’s worth the investment.” With Williams nearing the end of his career, securing a potential replacement like Freeling makes sense for the 49ers’ long-term outlook. The team’s investment in quarterback Brock Purdy also makes protecting him even more crucial, as Purdy threw for 4,749 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2025.
Players/Teams Mentioned
- Trent Williams: The veteran left tackle has one year remaining on his contract and continues to be a dominant force. He had a PFF grade of 91.9 in the 2023 season.
- Colton McKivitz: The right tackle recently signed a three-year extension, securing his spot on the team through 2028. He started all 17 games for the 49ers in 2023.
- Georgia Bulldogs: The college program has become a breeding ground for NFL talent, and Monroe Freeling is the latest prospect to emerge.
- San Francisco 49ers: After losing Super Bowl LX to the Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers are looking to bolster their roster through the draft. They are currently +900 to win Super Bowl LXI.
- Chase Bisontis: A Texas A&M guard, is known for his power and run-blocking abilities.
What This Means
- For 49ers fans: Drafting Freeling provides long-term security at tackle, especially with Williams’ age, while Bisontis would offer immediate help at guard.
- For fantasy football players: A stronger offensive line benefits all 49ers skill position players, potentially increasing Brock Purdy’s passing production and opening up running lanes for Christian McCaffrey, who is projected to have 1,200+ all-purpose yards next season.
- For bettors: The 49ers’ Super Bowl odds could improve with a solid offensive line addition. Monitor the odds movement after the draft to gauge the impact of their selection.
