The San Francisco 49ers have already begun evaluating draft prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, meeting with several players as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft. Among those confirmed meetings are three defensive prospects at key positions: defensive tackle, linebacker, and safety.
According to Chase Senior of Chat Sports, the 49ers conducted a formal interview with former Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris.
"He is 6'7'', 320 lbs. Had three sacks and three passes defended in 2025," Senior wrote.
Ole Miss DT Zxavian Harris had a formal Combine interview with the 49ers. He is 6'7'', 320 lbs. Had three sacks and three passes defended in 2025. #49ers pic.twitter.com/npULxzesEs
— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) February 25, 2026
Harris spent four seasons at Ole Miss, appearing in 52 games and compiling 123 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, and three passes defended, according to Sports Reference. He delivered his most productive season in 2025, recording 58 tackles and three sacks while anchoring the Rebels' defensive front.
Senior also reported that San Francisco held an informal meeting with former Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher. The 49ers previously connected with Boettcher during Senior Bowl week.
"Oregon LB, Bryce Boettcher, who was drafted in the 13th round of the 2024 MLB Draft as a center fielder, has met informally with the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles," Senior wrote.
Oregon LB, Bryce Boettcher, who was drafted in the 13th round of the 2024 MLB Draft as a center fielder has met informally with the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Boettcher also met with the Niners at the Senior Bowl. #49ers #Eagles pic.twitter.com/hfDeUF2JLA
— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) February 25, 2026
Over four seasons at Oregon, Boettcher totaled 269 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, four sacks, two interceptions, 10 passes defended, and four forced fumbles, per Sports Reference. His 2025 campaign included 136 tackles, earning him first-team All-American honors.
Additionally, Senior noted that the 49ers met with former Texas safety Michael Taaffe at the Combine.
"He went from walk-on to becoming a star player, All-American, and key leader for Texas," Senior wrote.
Texas safety, Michael Taaffe has met with the San Francisco 49ers.
He went from walk-on, to becoming a star player, All American and key leader for Texas.
He had 10 PBU and 2 INT in 2024. Battled some injuries in 2025. #49ers pic.twitter.com/HkBqGvKRiS
— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) February 26, 2026
Taaffe appeared in 10 games in 2025, recording 70 tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, and two interceptions, according to Sports Reference. His performance as a senior earned him first-team All-SEC and first-team All-American honors. Over his collegiate career, he accumulated 222 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, seven interceptions, 14 passes defended, and one forced fumble.