The San Francisco 49ers' offensive line future is coming into focus, and it appears the team is seriously considering using a first-round pick to secure its cornerstone. In a notable shift from recent draft strategy, the Niners are hosting visits with two of the class's top offensive tackle prospects: Utah's Caleb Lomu and Alabama's Kadyn Proctor.

This proactive approach addresses a looming question mark for the franchise. While future Hall of Famer Trent Williams continues to dominate at left tackle, he will turn 38 this summer. Finding his long-term successor is a critical mission for an organization built on a physical running game and protecting Brock Purdy. The fact that San Francisco hasn't selected an offensive tackle in the first two rounds since Mike McGlinchey in 2018 underscores the significance of this pre-draft activity.

The interest in these prospects is particularly intriguing because of the potential immediate fit. With a vacancy at left guard, the 49ers could draft a player like Proctor or Lomu to start inside for a year, providing crucial NFL seasoning before potentially moving outside to tackle in 2027. This "guard now, tackle later" plan is a smart way to develop a premium asset while bolstering the current lineup.

Kadyn Proctor, in particular, is a fascinating evaluation. At 6'7" and 352 pounds, he is a rare physical specimen whose game tape is a mix of dominant power and occasional inconsistency. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein highlights his "bulldozing power" and ability to stonewall rushers when set, but notes challenges with agility in space. He's the type of high-ceiling, high-floor prospect that teams with established rosters, like the 49ers, can afford to develop.

As the draft nears, the 49ers' actions signal a clear priority: fortifying the trenches to ensure their championship window stays wide open. Investing a first-round pick in a tackle would be a commitment to the identity of the Kyle Shanahan era for years to come.