Bryan Armetta previews and breaks down everything you need to know about the San Francisco 49ers heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.
Despite a 12-win campaign, the 49ers fell short in their quest to win a Super Bowl title. Although this group is a consistent contender under head coach Kyle Shanahan, getting over the hump has proven difficult. After an embarrassing playoff loss to the rival Seahawks, San Francisco wasted little time making changes this offseason. Wide receiver Mike Evans is the headliner, signing with the team after 12 years in Tampa Bay. The future Hall of Famer has the potential to elevate an already dangerous passing game to new heights.
Despite their blockbuster acquisition, the Niners are still looking to bolster their roster. There’s no better way to do so than through the NFL Draft. With the 27th overall pick of the first round, San Francisco can add a day one starter this weekend. Still, there’s a number of different ways the front office can go here. Let’s break down all the different scenarios ahead of Thursday night.
Most mock drafts have the 49ers going with offense at pick #27, and it makes sense. This scoring attack, while dangerous, is old. Key contributors such as Evans, TE George Kittle and OT Trent Williams are well into their thirties. Even superstar running back Christian McCaffrey is getting up there at 29 years old.
Ultimately, much of what San Francisco will do comes down to who is available at the end of the first. On paper, the most abundant position during that range of the draft is offensive line. While Williams remains a legitimate Pro Bowler, he can’t do this forever. Finding a long-term pairing with right tackle Colton McKivitz could give the Niners stability up front for another decade. Should the team opt to go in this direction, there should be some enticing options. Utah’s Caleb Lomu (+500) and Clemson’s Blake Miller (+650) have been frequently mocked here. A more under the radar option might be Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor (+800).
Still, a team this good shouldn’t pigeonhole itself into any single position. San Francisco could use some fortifying on the other end of the ball as well. Star defensive end Nick Bosa is great, but often injured. In his absence last season, the 49ers struggled to generate a consistent pass rush. Adding a complimentary edge that can keep this unit afloat would be ideal. Auburn’s Keldric Faulk (+1000) and Miami’s Akheem Mesidor (+1000) both make sense here.
If San Francisco is really looking to make a splash, why not add another weapon for Brock Purdy? Mike Evans is great, but the depth chart looks a bit thin at wide receiver. That’s without mentioning that the _-year-old is a temporary solution at the position. Former first-rounder RIcky Pearsall has shown flashes, but injuries have hampered the third-year pro. Snagging Washington’s Denzel Boston (+1000), a big-bodied red zone threat, could be the move. Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. (+1200) would be a nice fit, but he’s projected to go a bit earlier in the draft.
The safest and most logical place for the Niners to improve their roster is the offensive line. Lomu would be a slam-dunk selection, but I have a hard time believing he falls this far. Miller and Iheanachor feel like much more realistic targets at number 27. Should the former remain on the board, San Francisco should be running to the podium on Thursday.
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