The NFL Scouting Combine kicks off this week, and the San Francisco 49ers are zeroing in on several key needs ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. While CBS Sports recently identified wide receiver as the team's top priority, the defensive line remains firmly in the spotlight as well.
Three new mock drafts released Monday offer insight into how some view the 49ers' first-round direction. One projects San Francisco addressing wide receiver with the No. 27 overall pick, while the other two have the team reinforcing the defensive front.
PFF: 49ers draft KC Concepcion
In his latest mock draft for Pro Football Focus, Dalton Wasserman projects head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch selecting Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion with the No. 27 overall pick.
"San Francisco's wide receivers ranked an uncharacteristic 28th in yards after the catch per reception this past season," Wasserman explained. "The team could lose both Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings this offseason, which makes wide receiver a key need."
With Aiyuk expected to depart and Jennings likely seeking a significant deal in free agency, the 49ers' depth at wide receiver could thin quickly. Kendrick Bourne and Skyy Moore are also set to hit the open market.
"Concepcion is one of the most dynamic players in the class with the ball in his hands and earned a 79.9 PFF receiving grade in his lone season at Texas A&M," Wasserman added.
Wasserman's three-round projection continues by addressing the trenches with Tennessee defensive end Joshua Josephs in Round 2 and Iowa offensive tackle Gennings Dunker in Round 3.
CBS Sports: 49ers select Peter Woods
In his mock draft for CBS Sports, Blake Brockermeyer has the 49ers targeting Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods in the first round.
"San Francisco would immediately improve up front with Woods, especially with much of the front sidelined for most of the 2025 season," Brockermeyer wrote. "Woods looks the part and has impressive traits, but he didn't deliver a standout season despite the hype.
"He shows good power and leverage at the point of attack to handle double teams, along with solid lateral quickness on stunts and games to get home."
Pro Football and Sports Network: 49ers select Caleb Banks
Cameron Sheath of Pro Football and Sports Network also projects the 49ers to address the defensive line early, slotting Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks to San Francisco in Round 1.
Sheath believes Banks could ease the burden on pass rusher Nick Bosa, who is returning from an ACL injury. Much will depend on new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and whether the 49ers deploy a 3-4 scheme or stick with their traditional 4-3 alignment.
"If Morris sticks with a 4-3, adding Banks would mean that 75% of the 49ers' starting defensive front will have been drafted in the space of two offseasons (Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins)," Sheath wrote.
"Banks missed most of his final season in college through injury, but made up for it with a great performance at the Senior Bowl. His enormous 6'6″, 330-pound frame would be a great addition to a defense that, understandably, pressured opposing QBs at the third-lowest rate last season (16.7%)."
In the second round, Sheath projects Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt to San Francisco.
"Elijah Sarratt would be a great addition on the outside, offering crisp route running and a safe pair of hands," Sheath wrote. "He's certainly not the fastest receiver, which is why he'll likely be drafted later than he should be, but his 15 receiving touchdowns in 2025 demonstrate his obvious ability."
Sheath has the 49ers doubling down at the position in Round 3 with Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard.