Just days after the 2025 NFL Draft concluded, projections for the 2026 season are already surfacing. In a “way-too-early” mock draft by Pro Football Focus (PFF), the San Francisco 49ers made a surprising move by selecting Gennings Dunker, an offensive tackle from the Iowa Hawkeyes, in the first round with the 28th overall pick. This decision is seen as a strategic step to bolster the offensive line—a weakness the 49ers have been criticized for not addressing thoroughly in the 2025 draft.
Why Do the 49ers Need an Offensive Tackle?
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected only one lineman in the seventh round—Connor Colby, another Iowa guard, with the 249th pick. This choice left many fans and analysts disappointed, especially as the team faces significant challenges with its offensive line.
Trent Williams, the 49ers’ elite left tackle and future Hall of Famer, will turn 37 in the summer of 2025. With his contract nearing its end, retirement looms as a possibility.
Colton McKivitz, the current right tackle, is set to become a free agent in 2026. Many believe the 49ers are unlikely to re-sign him for a large sum, given his average performance.
While the team recently signed D.J. Humphries, a veteran left tackle and former Pro Bowler, his role remains unclear. Humphries could play guard or serve as a swing tackle, but he’s not seen as a long-term solution.
Failing to invest in the offensive line during the 2025 draft drew heavy criticism. PFF graded the 49ers’ 2025 draft class a D, emphasizing that the team missed a golden opportunity in a draft loaded with quality offensive tackles. With pressure to protect quarterback Brock Purdy, who is expected to become one of the NFL’s highest-paid QBs, the 49ers must act decisively in 2026.
Gennings Dunker – The Perfect Fit for the 49ers?
Gennings Dunker, the Iowa Hawkeyes’ right tackle, is rated by PFF as one of the top prospects for the 2026 draft. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 320 pounds, Dunker made waves with a 90.2 run-blocking grade from PFF in the 2024 season, trailing only Spencer Fano among FBS tackles.
Dunker is considered an ideal fit for head coach Kyle Shanahan’s outside-zone offensive scheme. His exceptional run-blocking skills would help the 49ers improve their ground game, a cornerstone of Shanahan’s philosophy. Additionally, Dunker shows promise in pass protection, though he’ll need to refine his technique to handle the NFL’s elite edge rushers.
If the 49ers target Dunker to replace McKivitz at right tackle, this would be a sensible pick. However, if the goal is to find a successor for Trent Williams at left tackle, the team might need a different profile, as Dunker has primarily played on the right side at Iowa. That said, with development in the 2025 season, Dunker has the potential to emerge as one of the top tackles in the draft.
Challenges Ahead
The 49ers’ decision to prioritize an offensive tackle in 2026 reflects a shift in strategy after a lackluster 2025 draft. However, selecting Dunker at pick 28 could spark debate. Some analysts might argue that the team should address other needs, such as wide receiver or edge rusher, depending on roster changes. Additionally, Dunker’s ability to transition to left tackle or compete with Humphries for a starting role will be critical to justifying this pick.
As the 2025 college football season unfolds, Dunker’s performance will be under scrutiny. If he maintains his trajectory, he could solidify his status as a first-round talent and a cornerstone for the 49ers’ offensive line. For now, this mock draft selection signals the 49ers’ intent to finally address a glaring need and protect their franchise quarterback for years to come.