With the 2026 NFL Draft just 11 days away, it's time to revisit the latest projections for the San Francisco 49ers. A new wave of mock drafts offers differing strategies for how the team could approach the first round.
Before diving into those projections, here are a few updates on the 49ers' pre-draft evaluations:
Former California cornerback Brent Austin recently told Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo that San Francisco continues to show interest. Melo confirmed the contact included a virtual meeting and a conversation during the East-West Shrine Bowl. Austin also participated in the 49ers' local pro day on April 8.
Former Alabama linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green and former Georgia running back Cash Jones also told Melo they met virtually with the 49ers.
These meetings—and more—are tracked in our comprehensive pre-draft tracker.
Now, onto the mock drafts...
7-round mock draft opens with surprise pick
Alec Elijah of Pro Football & Sports Network released a seven-round mock draft that begins with an unexpected scenario for San Francisco. He projects former Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq to fall to No. 27, where the 49ers capitalize.
"With George Kittle potentially sidelined to open the 2026 season, the 49ers could find themselves in need of both a short-term solution and a long-term answer at tight end," Elijah wrote. "That's where Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq comes into play.
"Widely viewed as the top tight end in this draft class, Sadiq brings a complete skill set that makes him an ideal fit in San Francisco's system. He has the athleticism to stretch the field, the hands to be a reliable target in traffic, and the versatility to line up across multiple spots, all traits that mirror what the 49ers have valued at the position."
San Francisco holds just one additional pick in the first three rounds—No. 58 overall in Round 2—where Elijah projects former USC safety Kamari Ramsey to the team.
"San Francisco will likely need to tap into this deep safety class if they want to bolster their secondary heading into 2026," Elijah wrote. "USC's Kamari Ramsey stands out as a versatile option, capable of contributing in the nickel and playing effectively near the box. He projects as a valuable depth piece early on, with the upside to grow into a starting role as the season progresses or by year two."
The 49ers' remaining four selections all fall in Round 4. Here's how Elijah envisions those picks playing out:
- Round 4, pick 127: WR Kevin Coleman Jr., Missouri
- Round 4, pick 133: OG Logan Taylor, Boston College
- Round 4, pick 138: CB Hezekiah Masses, California
- Round 4, pick 139: WR Deion Burks, Oklahoma
Now, let's take a look at a couple of mock drafts from CBS Sports.
49ers target offensive weapon in Round 1
Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports released a first-round mock draft and projects the 49ers selecting former Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion at No. 27.
San Francisco's receiver room has undergone significant changes this offseason, with Mike Evans and Christian Kirk joining the roster while Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, Skyy Moore—and soon, Brandon Aiyuk—move on.
While Elijah had the 49ers adding two receivers in the fourth round, Dajani has the team bolstering the position group much earlier.
"Deebo Samuel déjà vu?" Dajani wrote. "KC Concepcion was named first-team All-SEC in three different categories last season. He starred as a wide receiver, all-purpose player, and return specialist, which earned him the Paul Hornung Award as the most versatile player in the FBS.
"Concepcion caught 61 passes for 919 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025 while returning 25 punts for 456 yards and two touchdowns. What a fit this would be in Kyle Shanahan's offense."
49ers address offensive line in latest projection
CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles takes a different approach in his first-round mock draft, projecting former Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor to San Francisco at No. 27.
The selection would address a long-term need, with Trent Williams set to turn 38 in July and currently in a contract standoff with the team.
"Max Iheanachor didn't play football until 2021, when he began his career at East Los Angeles College," Pereles wrote. "He's now one of the most intriguing prospects in this class. Yes, he's raw, but his size/strength/athleticism combination is rare.
"The 49ers might have found their Trent Williams successor here, though it's worth noting Iheanachor has played right tackle, not left tackle."
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