The latest batch of 2026 NFL mock drafts offers a wide range of possibilities for the San Francisco 49ers, with several analysts projecting the team addressing key roster needs. Headlining the group is a collaborative effort from ESPN analysts Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Field Yates, who alternated selections for the top 100 picks.
Jordan Reid handled the 49ers' first-round pick, projecting former Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion to San Francisco, bolstering a reshaped receiving corps.
"Concepcion is tailor-made for the Kyle Shanahan offense, as he's an explosive YAC receiver who can align at multiple spots and is capable of running any route on the route tree," Reid wrote.
Concepcion would join a wide receiver room that has undergone significant changes this offseason. The 49ers added Mike Evans and Christian Kirk but lost Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, and Skyy Moore. Meanwhile, Brandon Aiyuk appears to be on his way out, and third-year wideout Ricky Pearsall is coming off an injury-plagued 2025 campaign.
Matt Miller made the 49ers' second-round selection, projecting former Northwestern offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan as a long-term solution on the offensive line.
"Tiernan is exactly the type of savvy, experienced tackle prospect the 49ers need to prepare for life after Trent Williams," Miller noted.
Another vote for KC Concepcion
Josh Edwards released a seven-round mock draft for CBS Sports. He also linked the 49ers to Concepcion with the No. 27 overall pick, reinforcing the idea that San Francisco could prioritize wide receiver early.
"KC Concepcion offers the schematic flexibility to play inside or outside," Edwards wrote. "Kyle Shanahan will put him in the best position to succeed in a revamped receiver room that no longer includes staples such as Jauan Jennings, Deebo Samuel, or Brandon Aiyuk."
Edwards projects the following additional picks for the 49ers:
- Round 2, pick 58: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
- Round 4, pick 127: Matt Gulbin, IOL, Michigan State
- Round 4, pick 133: Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky
- Round 4, pick 138: Travis Burke, OT, Memphis
- Round 4, pick 139: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
Maiocco's mock draft has 49ers addressing pass rush
NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco released his fourth first-round mock draft, projecting the 49ers to address one of their biggest offseason needs: the pass rush. The defense recorded an NFL-low 20 sacks last season, and both Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are coming off ACL injuries.
Maiocco believes the solution is former Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell at No. 27 overall.
"The 49ers were last in the NFL in sacks," Maiocco wrote. "The return of Nick Bosa is certain to provide a boost, but the team needs more juice from its other edge rushers. Howell can work his way into the mix as a situational pass rusher."
Howell is coming off a strong 2025 campaign, totaling 11.5 sacks and raising his career total to 27.
Nick Shook projects a different pass rusher to 49ers
NFL.com's Nick Shook also projects the 49ers to address their pass rush with their first-round pick. In his latest mock draft, San Francisco selects former Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk at No. 27 overall.
While Shook notes the 49ers could pivot in another direction, the need to add more pressure on opposing quarterbacks is too strong.
"If the 49ers are planning for the future, they'll target an offensive tackle," Shook wrote. "After last year's injury-riddled experience, however, they decide to seek depth on the defensive side, leading GM John Lynch to add another edge rusher to a group headlined by Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams. If this defense is going to climb out of the cellar in the sacks department, San Francisco will need an army of quarterback hunters."
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