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OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - DECEMBER 20: De'Zhaun Stribling #1 of the Ole Miss Rebels stiff arms Isaiah Wadsworth #8 of the Tulane Green Wave during the second quarter of the 2025 College Football Playoff First Round Game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Wes Hale/Getty Images)

T

he 2026 NFL season is fast approaching. With the draft over and teams beginning minicamps in a matter of days, the focus is fully turned onto the ’26 season, where all 32 teams will battle it out to prove that they have what it takes to contend for a Super Bowl. The offseason brought some notable storylines, with every team focusing on building a roster capable of contending for a title via free agency and the draft.

For the San Francisco 49ers, a 12-5 season in 2025 looked promising, but injuries to several key stars depleted the team’s depth– causing the 49ers’ Super Bowl hopes to come crashing down in the NFC divisional playoffs. Locked in on addressing roster needs, the 49ers signed several big names in free agency such as wide receiver Mike Evans, and entered the draft with a lot of hype. But the 49ers took the unconventional approach and selected project players that may not make an impact in 2026. In fact, if head coach Kyle Shanahan’s comments were any indication, don’t be surprised if this year’s rookies aren’t even a part of the initial 53-man roster.

Shanahan: Rookies Face a ‘Challenge’ to Make Roster

The 49ers drafted players that not many talked about going in, such as wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling at No. 33 overall and edge rusher Romello Height in the third round. The 49ers had voids they needed to address on draft weekend and fans hope that the team’s newest rookies can prove that they are the answers. But Shanahan spoke on Saturday following the conclusion of the draft and suggested that this year’s class needs to earn their spot and face a steep challenge for playing time this year.

“I’m always hoping that we got a chance that all these guys make the team,” Shanahan said via an NBC Sports Bay Area article written by Florito Maniego. “That’s kind of the goal with all your draft picks. You go in with six, and you can find a way to get eight. If we can find eight guys to make our 53, you get a lot better. Now, I think starting with free agency, how free agency went, I think that’s going to be a huge challenge. That’s why you get in some spots, and you’re like, ‘Man, I really want to take this position.’ But the best available here, I don’t think, could beat out who we have. Whether you want to get better or not at the position. It doesn’t always show that way. And I think we really did good in free agency.”

“So, I think it’ll be a challenge for all eight of these guys to make our team. I think we have a chance for a couple guys possibly to start or have a chance to start,” Shanahan added. “And I think a number of these guys can be a big part or have a chance to start two years from now when you have some unrestricted free agents that we lose. So overall, I hope all eight guys just contribute.”

Where the Rookies Fit In

In the midst of all the debates, there is no denying that the 49ers did draft for need. While adding Evans and Christian Kirk to the receiver room, both of those guys are on the wrong side of 30 and by adding Stribling, the 49ers get a guy who will add youth to an otherwise veteran receiver group. A five-year college player and Ole Miss’ second leading receiver in ’25, Stribling could be relied on for a big role– especially with Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings gone.

Height figures to help a depleted pass rush while running back Kaelon Black, also a third round pick, will compete to be the 49ers’ backup running back behind Christian McCaffrey. As for the rest of the class, such as defensive lineman Gracen Halton, offensive lineman Carver Willis and defensive back Ephesians Prysock, among others, the competition for a role will be stiff but doable.