As the San Francisco 49ers alter their roster, one NFL analyst projected they will find the heir to one of their best players.
Nothing in football will last forever. Veterans will compete through every imaginable pain, week in, week out. From the scorching summer days to the frigid winter nights, these grizzled players fight through adversity just to see the field. While teammates come and go, one opponent will always stand undefeated.
Aging in sports remains a fundamental part of the process. As the prime turns into the twilight of his career, a future Hall of Famer could embrace the opportunity to mentor the rookie who could inevitably replace him in the lineup.
San Francisco 49ers Predicted To Land Trent Williams Replacement in 2026 NFL Draft
Normally, you cannot point to an exact date on a calendar to see where a team’s fortunes shifted. In the 49ers’ case, that day was April 25, 2020. Roughly one month after Washington allowed his agent to seek a trade partner, Trent Williams left the nation’s capital, bound for California. To that point, the standout left tackle had earned seven Pro Bowl nods and one All-Pro designation.
One of the best tackles of his era found himself trying to infuse attitude into his new team. Since that point, Williams continued his domination at the line of scrimmage, making four more Pro Bowls and garnering another All-Pro award. The 49ers banked on his toughness and scary athleticism.
Now at age 37 and being closer to the end of his career than the beginning, San Francisco must start to look for Williams’ successor. Last season, an ankle injury cost him seven games. PFSN draft analyst Jacob Infante thinks the franchise will find him in the first round of next year’s draft.
“Trent Williams turns 37 in July, and Colton McKivitz is a solid if unspectacular starting option. Luckily for the San Francisco 49ers, they have the chance to add a potential long-term answer at offensive tackle that they desperately need.”
“Isaiah World excelled at Nevada and now brings his game to Oregon. At 6’8″, he’s a massive, mobile lineman, and his upside is undeniable.”
World, originally a right tackle, shifted over to the blindside before transferring to Oregon from Nevada. He excels at meeting edge rushers on the outside and initially thwarting their initial rush more. He uses his frame and heft to envelop the bull rush.
New Oregon OT Isaiah World (#70) is a nimble big man at 6’8.” Lateral movement skills show up in the run game and pass pro.
World cut his pressures allowed down from 34 in 2023 to just 15 in 2024. pic.twitter.com/zwfVBOFdQl
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul)
One thing that World will need to work on is run blocking. The Oregon product needs to drive down on ends and maintain that power through the whistle. Too often, he will not use his hands properly during engagement.
Five seasons after he retires, Williams will hear that knock at the door, announcing his induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Right now, his last great gift to the 49ers is to mentor his replacement, preparing him for the grind ahead. World brings a similar athletic palette to the table, and the 49ers need to be behind the on-the-fly rebuild.