By Solomon 
The 49ers are on the lookout for a dominant left tackle in the 2025 NFL Draft, with an eye on eventually replacing veteran Trent Williams. ESPN’s Field Yates predicts that San Francisco might go for Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons with the 11th overall pick.
Williams, a future Hall of Famer, turns 37 in July and played only 10 games in 2024 due to an ankle injury. He’s still committed to the team and under contract until 2026, but given his injury history and the fact that he’s never played a full season since joining the 49ers in 2020, finding his replacement is a priority.
Simmons, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound tackle, transferred from San Diego State to Ohio State and quickly became one of the Buckeyes’ top pass protectors. Before suffering a knee injury in October, he had allowed just one quarterback pressure across 306 snaps and earned solid pass-blocking grades. While the injury hurt his draft stock, his agent confirmed he should be fully cleared for training camp. If his medical evaluations check out, his athleticism and quickness could make him one of the best left tackle prospects in this draft.
The 49ers are in a crucial spot with the No. 11 pick after a rough 6-11 season that left them out of the playoffs. They have major needs on both the offensive and defensive lines, but with Williams’ eventual retirement looming, investing in Simmons could be a smart long-term move.
San Francisco hasn’t drafted an offensive lineman this high since selecting Mike McGlinchey at No. 9 in 2018, so this would be a shift in strategy. However, with limited chances to land an elite left tackle in the coming years, this could be the perfect time to make that move.
If the 49ers draft Simmons, he’d get the chance to learn from Williams, making for a smoother transition when the veteran eventually steps away. Plus, since Simmons has experience playing right tackle, he could also help bolster that side of the line in the meantime. His durability is something to monitor, but his potential to anchor the offensive line for years makes him a strong candidate for San Francisco’s top pick.