The San Francisco 49ers are generating buzz in the 2026 NFL Draft cycle, with multiple analysts projecting high-impact selections to strengthen both the offense and defense.
Could Kenyon Sadiq fall to the 49ers?
Kenyon Sadiq shot up draft boards after a standout NFL Scouting Combine performance. The former Oregon tight end ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, recorded a 43.5-inch vertical jump, and posted an 11-foot-1 broad jump. Measuring 6-foot-3 and 241 pounds, Sadiq has the size and athleticism to complement George Kittle in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.
Most mock drafts have Sadiq coming off the board before San Francisco's No. 27 pick, but Josh Edwards of CBS Sports projects him falling to the 49ers.
"This is the latest Kenyon Sadiq has been available in a mock draft exercise in quite some time," Edwards wrote. "There are a number of teams who make sense for Sadiq, but none that are obvious. Kyle Shanahan can get wonky with his personnel packages with George Kittle and Sadiq on the field in the short-term."
Bolstering the trenches in early rounds
Ryan Guthrie of Pro Football & Sports Network released a three-round mock draft projecting the San Francisco 49ers to strengthen the trenches on both sides of the ball with their first two picks.
In the first round, Guthrie has the 49ers selecting former Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods, highlighting the team's need after injuries decimated the defensive front last season. Pairing Woods with defensive end Nick Bosa could provide the boost the defensive line needs.
"Peter Woods fits the mold perfectly. At 6-foot-3, 315 pounds, he brings power, leverage, and versatility, able to impact both the run and pass game," Guthrie wrote. "While his 2025 season had ups and downs, flashes of elite athleticism, like moving along the edge at Clemson, show just how disruptive he can be.
"For San Francisco, Woods adds depth, a menacing interior presence, and someone who can help collapse pockets. Pairing him with Bosa gives the 49ers more flexibility and dominance up front, shoring up a unit that's aiming to stay healthy and elite all season long."
The 49ers have one more selection in the first three rounds—a second-round pick at No. 58 overall. Guthrie has the team selecting former Oregon offensive guard Emmanuel Pregnon at that spot.
"The San Francisco 49ers look to their offensive line rebuild by selecting Emmanuel Pregnon, a powerful interior lineman who helps accelerate the team's long-term plans in the trenches as Trent Williams' career approaches its twilight," Guthrie wrote.
"At 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, Pregnon combines size, mass, and length with the kind of arm strength and leverage that allows him to dominate defenders at the point of attack. His success at Oregon came from getting his hands on defenders quickly and violently, using power to anchor or redirect while also demonstrating the lateral agility to cover ground and climb to the second level."
Assuming the 49ers reach an agreement with Trent Williams on a reworked contract, left guard remains the only spot on the offensive line without a clear starter.
A Trent Williams successor in Round 1
Vinnie Iyer, in his latest first-round mock draft for Sports Illustrated, projects the 49ers landing a long-term replacement for Williams. He envisions former Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling falling to San Francisco at No. 27 overall.
"The 49ers will need to think about replacing Trent Williams (6-5, 320 pounds) at left tackle in the near future and will need to debate that vs. taking more wide receiver help," Iyer wrote. "Freeling would be the ideal stash to make a smooth transition at the critical left tackle."
49ers trade up for Monroe Freeling
Luke Easterling of Athlon Sports also projects the 49ers selecting Freeling in the first round—but with a twist. Easterling has the team trading up to the No. 15 overall pick to secure the offensive lineman.
The proposed trade would send San Francisco's No. 27, No. 58, and No. 127 overall selections to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, potentially leaving the 49ers with just four total picks in the draft.
Not ideal, but perhaps necessary for a top-tier target.
"If you want one of this year's top offensive tackle prospects, and you're picking near the back of the first round, you're gonna have to move up for one," Easterling explained. "That's the reality for a team like the 49ers, which needs a long-term succession plan at left tackle even if they're able to work out a deal to bring back Trent Williams for the 2026 season.
"Freeling would be an ideal target, with the athleticism necessary to excel in Kyle Shanahan's scheme, and the upside to eventually develop into an elite blocker with size, power, and physicality."
Another offensive tackle option for the 49ers
Christian D'Andrea of For the Win released a two-round mock draft, also projecting the 49ers to add a long-term replacement for Williams with their first pick—former Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu.
"No matter how the drama with Trent Williams unfolds, the Niners need a succession plan for their soon-to-be 38-year-old left tackle," D'Andrea wrote. "Lomu is a high-ceiling pass protector who can fill an immediate role if a Williams trade comes to fruition. As a player who needs to improve his leverage and play strength, however, there's no better mentor than the All-Pro at left tackle in San Francisco.
"Lomu is an elite athlete who needs to dial up his aggression in order to reach his potential, especially as a run blocker. He plays with a high IQ, learns quickly, and, importantly, was a durable asset in Salt Lake City the last two seasons."
In the second round, D'Andrea has the 49ers selecting former Connecticut wide receiver Skyler Bell.
"A Kyle Shanahan offense and an elusive wideout who averaged better than eight yards after catch per reception in 2025. Yep, that'll work," he wrote.
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