The problem with offensive linemen is no matter how good they are, they only get older, not younger. They compare to finely tuned automobiles. One day they are just going to stop doing what they used to do.
The same holds true for San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams. Williams is an 11-time Pro Bowler and has been with the team since 2020. He is 6-5, 320 pounds and is your text book example of a left tackle.
Unfortunately for Williams, he is beat up and he is getting older. His body doesn't respond the same as it used to and he is still recovering from an ankle injury he suffered last season.
It might be time for the 49ers to look in the draft to replace Williams, either this year or next, when his contract expires. If they draft a rookie now, he can learn from Williams for a year and then start next season. In the event Williams can't go any further, the rookie could step in and take over the spot for the next 10 years.
In an NFL.com mock draft, author Mike Bank believes the 49ers will replace Williams with the 11th selection in the first round of April's NFL Draft. On Thursday, Band projected the 49ers to grab Missouri tackle Armand Membou.
"It isn't a stretch to think the 49ers are preparing for life after Trent Williams," Band said. "He turns 37 in July and is set to carry a massive cap hit in 2026."
Membou ran a 4.91 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, which would fit the 49ers outside-zone scheme. He is very versatile as well as he can play both tackle positions and also compete at guard. Should Williams stay healthy and Colton McKivitz maintain his starting right tackle position, Membou could start at one of the two guard positions until Williams is no longer in the picture.
