ESPN draft analyst Field Yates released a two-round mock draft, projecting the San Francisco 49ers to address two critical roster needs early.
San Francisco's pass rush struggled in 2025, totaling just 20 sacks—the fewest in the NFL. Injuries to Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, both of whom suffered ACL tears, along with the unexpected retirement of Bryce Huff, have heightened the urgency to reinforce the defensive front.
With the No. 27 overall pick, Yates projects the 49ers to select former Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk.
"The Niners need to work on their edge group, though a big boost will come from the returns of Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams from injury," Yates wrote. "Faulk is an intriguing prospect whose tape was better in 2024 than 2025 (7.0 sacks compared with 2.0, respectively). But his skill set is too good to ignore: He's 6-6, 276 pounds with positional versatility and stout run defense.
"A defensive line coach will see the potential to develop Faulk into a much more consistent rusher, as he won't turn 21 until September."
Faulk (6-6, 276) finished his Auburn career with just 10 total sacks, per Sports Reference. While he earned a modest 66.0 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus in 2025, his 85.5 run-defense grade marked a career high.
In the second round, Yates has the 49ers addressing an offensive need, selecting Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard at No. 58 overall.
"The 49ers onboarded a pair of veteran wideouts this offseason in Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, but the room definitely needs an infusion of youth," Yates wrote. "Bernard is a buttery smooth route runner with excellent instincts against all types of coverage. He's steady after the catch and would have a chance to thrive under coach Kyle Shanahan."
Bernard (6-1, 206) has recorded 114 receptions for 1,656 yards and nine touchdowns over the past two seasons, averaging 14.5 yards per catch, according to Sports Reference. Seven of those touchdowns came during the 2025 campaign.
Bucky Brooks projects Cashius Howell to 49ers
Bucky Brooks of NFL Media also released his latest mock draft, similarly projecting the 49ers to bolster their defensive front at No. 27 overall. However, Brooks has San Francisco selecting former Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell.
"Bryce Huff's abrupt retirement and San Francisco's need for depth on the edges make Howell a potential fit here," Brooks wrote. "The Texas A&M standout lacks ideal arm length, but his nonstop motor and natural pass-rushing skills would energize a unit that faces quality quarterbacks in the divisional race."
Howell, a nearly 6-foot-3, 253-pound edge rusher, ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine after recording 11.5 sacks during the 2025 season. He also totaled 13 passes defensed over the past two years, according to Sports Reference.
Both Brooks and Yates clearly view the defensive front as a priority for the 49ers in the 2026 NFL Draft, signaling that San Francisco could target an edge rusher in the first round for a second consecutive year.
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