The San Francisco 49ers opted not to make a significant move before the trade deadline, choosing instead to trust their current defensive line rotation despite the group being decimated by injuries. Their decision to retain draft capital could position them to address the need in next year's NFL Draft.
In his latest 2026 NFL mock draft, CBS Sports analyst Ryan Wilson projects the 49ers to strengthen their defensive front by selecting Oregon defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington with the 23rd overall pick. The 6-foot-3, 330-pound lineman brings a blend of power, quickness, and disruption that could fit well with San Francisco's defensive identity.
"Washington is a powerful, athletic defensive lineman who can collapse the pocket or blow up a run play when he fires off low and plays with leverage," Wilson wrote. "He's at his best attacking gaps, where his burst, strength, and motor let him disrupt plays before they develop. When he's locked in, he looks like a true difference-maker who can overwhelm blockers with both quickness and power."
Through eight games this season, Washington has totaled 20 tackles (three for loss) and one sack for the Ducks. His dominant play against the run—a trait the 49ers covet—has earned him a career-high 80.7 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus, along with an overall defensive grade of 75.3, also a personal best.
Over his three collegiate seasons at Oregon, Washington has recorded 32 tackles (4.5 for loss) and seven passes defensed to go along with his one sack, according to Sports Reference. His combination of size, strength, and disruption could make him a perfect fit for the 49ers' defense, which emphasizes physical play in the trenches.
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