2 49ers pre-draft meetings may hint at long-term plan to replace Trent Williams
One of the most interesting aspects of the 2025 NFL draft for the San Francisco 49ers is going to be how they wind up viewing their needs on the offensive line.
Aaron Banks' departure left an opening at left guard. Center and right tackle may both need upgrades, and 36-year-old Trent Williams's eventual retirement looms.
We've been digging into this year's offensive tackle class through the lens of first-rounders who could play either left guard or right tackle in the short term before flipping over to the left side to replace Williams long-term. Given the team's needs it's not a slam dunk they select an offensive tackle in the first round, especially if they're not sure that player will be able to fill in at a different position before holding down a starting left tackle job.
A couple of meetings during the pre-draft process may give some insight into a different plan for San Francisco.
The Draft Network's Justin Melo reported the 49ers had a virtual meeting with BYU offensive tackle Caleb Etienne. Melo also reported the 49ers met with Oregon State offensive tackle Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan.
Neither Etienne nor Christian-Lichtenhan are projected to go early in this year's draft, but both players possess elite physical traits that could appeal to teams looking for a project on the offensive line. With Williams not hanging up his pads just yet, the 49ers have the runway to take on a project with top-end physical tools.
Etienne measured in at 6-7, 329 pounds at his Pro Day with a 7-foot-2-inch wing span. He started 18 of the 19 games he played during his two seasons with BYU. Prior to that he earned 13 starts in 16 appearances with Oklahoma State. At both programs he was primarily a left tackle with a brief stint at right tackle and right guard during his first year at BYU.
Christian-Lichtenhan is listed by Oregon State at 6-9, and he has 36-inch arms. He started all 12 games he played for the Beavers last season. Prior to joining their program he was with the University of Colorado where he started 19 of the 26 games he played in three seasons.
Both players could be valuable for San Francisco as late-round picks who take on practice squad or reserve roles early in their careers while being groomed to eventually replace Williams. While there's some risk involved if a project doesn't ultimately develop, it's mitigated by the fact the 49ers wouldn't be using a premium pick on them. Even if they hold down a Jaylon Moore role where they're a career depth piece in San Francisco it would be a valuable use of a later-round selection.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 2 pre-draft meetings may hint at 49ers plan to replace Trent Williams
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