The San Francisco 49ers made five selections on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, and each spoke to reporters shortly after hearing their name called. Here's what they had to say.
Transcripts provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.
DL Gracen Halton
Where are you right now?
"I'm out here in San Diego, California."
What's your background as far as which teams you rooted for growing up?
"Yeah. I was a Cowboys fan, with my dad and then, right when I got to high school and stuff, I really just didn't have a team and, was just watching the NFL."
Did you have a sense that the 49ers were circling you in the run up to the draft?
"No, I didn't. I didn't expect the 49ers, but it's a blessing just getting the call. Knowing that I'm going somewhere, having somebody that believes in me, so I'm ready to get to work."
What was your experience with Oklahoma like, how would you summarize it? How you developed as a player?
"Yeah, it was great. Going in freshman year to senior year, had a lot of things to overcome. I did it. I'm glad. I was at the right school to do what I needed to do. And I had a great experience."
So many players now are transferring. What does it say about you that you stayed four years at the same spot?
"Yeah, man, just talks about my heart, my mindset what it's like when things get hard, you got to overcome. When adversity hits you, you got to find another way to overcome what you need to do. So, you know things got harder in Oklahoma, I just kept on going, had the horse blinders on and kept on moving forward."
You're talking about adversity. Can you share with us what you're talking about?
"Yeah, just like not playing my freshman, sophomore year. Going in from high school, wanting to play right away. I moved from D-tackle, so I had to learn all the techniques, everything else to get on the field, and I just worked at it, worked at my game. I got on the field and did what I do."
Why was it important for you to be a team captain?
"It was very important, just preaching what my head coach is saying in the locker room. Having guys that believe in you and that you can lead a team knowing you have guys that are watching you from behind and you're making the right moves, just guiding the team to where you want to go."
Do you recall having much interaction with the 49ers during the Draft process?
"No, not at all. No, I probably talked to them once or twice. We had the Senior Bowl and the Combine, so in between there for sure."
Do you remember anything about that meeting?
"No."
What do about their defense and their defensive style?
"I know that they attack, they're hungry, got some hungry guys on the side of the ball that's ready to go make plays. They just added one more."
Does that suit you, their full speed ahead style from the inside?
"Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Get off that rock. Go make a play."
Is 49ers DL Osa Odighizuwa a player you watched the last few years? How familiar are you with him?
"Yeah, just one of the guys that adds equity, so, been watching him for quite a while. He's explosive and can get off the ball to make plays."
Is there a defensive tackle in the league today that you kind of pattern yourself after or see a lot of yourself in?
"No, sir. Myself, Gracen Halton."
Well, tell us about Gracen Halton. What do you bring to the table?
"Yeah, explosive, hunger mindset, wanting to go make a play and just having fun. Really explosive, having that mindset where it's a dog-eat-dog world. You know, dogs prevail, you have to go make it, have to go get off that play."
You're described in the draft writeup as a fan favorite at Oklahoma because of your energy and your enthusiasm. Where does that come from and is that something that you sort of feasted off of from the crowds and fans?
"Yeah, no, I'm just having fun. That's football. It's fun to me. I'm going out there, doing what I love, so that's just what comes with it, having fun with the game."
What was the biggest learning curve for you, moving from defensive end to D-tackle? Is there any part of your skillset that you think benefits you, even in that transition to inside?
"Yeah, really just learning the different techniques. I feel like it's given me a better way to, come from being a defensive tackle, just knowing two positions. Just knowing that I can rush from a five, can rush from a three, can rush from a two, can rush from a zero. I can rush from anywhere. I make plays anywhere on the line."
OL Carver Willis
Did you did you have any inkling that the 49ers were about ready to take you, or you were on their radar this year?
"I knew I was on their radar, but no, I had no idea that they were about to take me. So, it was a pretty big surprise here at my place. So, just fired up to be a part of it."
How much interaction did you have with them leading up to the Draft?
"Yeah, I did an informal at the Senior Bowl and then a formal at the Combine. I've met with their o-line coach a couple of times when he actually came up to Washington as part of the coaching clinic. A lot of the coaches at Washington have deep relationships with the 49ers, and they model a lot of what we did at Washington off of the 49ers. So, kind of some interesting communication, but it was good."
What's your background at Guard or Center? Is that something that any teams talk to you about moving to those positions in the NFL?
"Yeah, that's something every team talked to me about. So yeah, I'm happy to do it no matter where they need me on the line. I've kind of said this whole time. I just want a shot in a playbook, and anywhere they need me on the line, I'm game. But every team talked about interior."
As you approached the draft and your background at both Tackle spots, what do you envision being the biggest challenge if you were to slide inside?
"It's a different game inside in little ways. Things get on you quicker. Guys are a little bit bigger, so that adjustment I think will be interesting. Then at Center, there's a Center I train with that talked to me, has helped me a lot throughout this process. His name is [Denver Broncos C] Alex Forsyth, and he's been huge. He told me Center is the hardest pre-snap position, but one of the easier post snap positions on the o-line. So, for me, the adjustment to Center will be a lot more pre-snap communication than I'm used to, making the calls and doing all that. That'll be an adjustment, but one I think I'm very capable of doing."
What was the biggest adjustment you made from Kansas State to Washington?
"Yeah, part of it was weight. I put on a good amount of weight trying to stay above that 300 number. That, and then Washington's offense really just freed you up to play fast and play physical. And thankfully, it's the same exact offense that the 49ers run, so I'm very grateful for that. But yeah, it was a more fast-paced, more fun offense, and I think I fit that scheme really well, so I'm very grateful to be a part of that same offense going forward."
Is it a challenge to stay above 300? And if so, what have you learned? What are some of your tricks to doing that?
'For starters, eat. Eat all the time, especially when you're not hungry, that's when you have to keep the calories on. But it was more of a challenge to get there. It hasn't been a challenge to stay above it, just because once you get there, you kind of know what it takes. So, for me, it's really not that hard to stay above it. I have very scheduled food, and then I stick to it."
What was your Senior Bowl experience like in terms of on the field? Where did you line up and how did you fare?
"Yeah, that was cool. Obviously, that was the first time I really ever played Guard, so it was really fun stepping into that and doing all that. I enjoyed it a lot. I thought I got better as the week went on, which is really all I could have asked for from that experience. That, and getting coached up by some high-quality coaches at the Senior Bowl was huge, so that experience was super beneficial and one I'm very grateful for."
What are your thoughts on sharing a meeting room with T Trent Williams?
"It's pretty cool. He's one of those guys that is an all-time great. He is a legend. Any way I can learn from him, or any part of his game I can learn from, or his process, I'm excited for it. One of the first things I said when I got drafted to my family was, I can learn from Trent. I'm excited about the ability to go and do that."
I'm sure you have some affinity for offensive tackle. When you initially start hearing from the NFL about moving inside, do you initially take any sort of offense to it? Or do you just understand that because of your measurements it is probably going to be happen?
"Yeah, I knew it was probably going to happen. I didn't take any offense by it. There's a lot of guys that have done it before me. You look at [former Dallas Cowboys OL] Zack Martin. Zack Martin is like, probably the best to ever do it. He played Tackle in college. So, I don't think there's anything to be offended by. I'm not a guy that's going to sit there and be like; I'm a Tackle and have a huge ego about it. I like playing offensive line. Where that is on the offensive line, I don't really care. I like playing offensive line, and I like competing, so for me, anywhere along the five is good with me. I'm not particular to Tackle, Guard or Center. Just tell me what to do and I'll go get it done."
Where's home for you? Where are you at right now?
"Right now, I'm down in Chandler, Arizona, which is where my training facility is at. But home is actually Durango, Colorado. It's a small town in southwest Colorado."
What were your conversations with assistant head coach/offensive line Chris Foerster like when you were at the coach's clinic?
"They were good. That's before I really dove into how the 49ers run wide zone. I was kind of still doing it from my old team, if that makes sense, from the team I came from before I went to Washington, and they ran it a little bit differently. So, it was fun talking to him, and we even talked about the Combine. He said it was fun to see you change your philosophy and really buy into how you all run wide zone and that kind of run scheme. So, it was cool talking to him, talking and saying he noticed a huge difference, and he was really fired up to see the difference. So, it was great talking to him."
CB Ephesians Prysock
Did you have an idea that the 49ers were trailing you and getting ready to pick you?
"First of all, I want to thank you guys for having me on here. To be honest, I had a Zoom call with the 49ers and that was about it. I had plenty Zoom calls with other teams, and I don't know to be honest."
What does it mean to you to get that phone call from any team, but the 49ers?
"It means everything to me. It's been a lifelong dream since I was a kid. They could have called me at any point. But yeah, it means everything to me and my family. It's just a blessing. Blessed to be here."
How would you describe your style of play and how do you see your career unfolding?
"I feel like I'm a long, versatile guy that can get in and out of breaks and transitions and that has the skillset to be one of the greatest corners."
Did you just see that OL Carver Willis was drafted to the 49ers as well, so you have somewhat of a familiar face in the locker room?
"Yeah, I did see that. That's my guy."
Did you go up against Cleveland Browns WR Denzel Boston a lot in practice, and if so, how did that kind of help you develop?
"Yeah, I went against Denzel Boston almost every day if not every day. But, it helped me just do different things because he's a really good receiver off the line with his route running at the catchpoint. So, it took my game to another level, just coming out there and competing each and every day."
A lot of people would see your size and wonder if he has a future at safety, but you made it quite clear you're a cornerback. Has that talk ever been made about your versatility, being able to play both corner and safety?
"Well in college, a little bit. I played a little bit of nickel. I got my first pick, it was in an unbalanced formation. I was at safety and then I kind of rolled over, like toward a half of the field and picked the ball off."
The Niners play a little bit more zone than man. What do you think is your biggest strength?
"Like I said, I feel like I'm a versatile guy and I can do it all. I feel like if it's press-man, or even off in zone coverage, cover-two, cover-three, cover-four, I feel like I can play everything."
You mentioned earlier it's a big day for you and your family. What was draft day like there? Where are you and tell me about the atmosphere in there as your family is waiting to hear your name called?
"Oh man, like I said, it's a blessing to be here just to celebrate things like this and cherish these moments. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I'm just blessed. Can't really explain the feeling, but it's great to have these people around me and these people that support me each and every day."
And where are you?
"I'm in California, Hollywood area."
What was the feedback throughout the pre-Draft process that stood out the most to you?
"The feedback, like what I was getting from teams?"
Yeah, like how they saw you fit, your strengths, things that you might have to focus on as you transition to the NFL, anything like that?
"I've heard a lot of great things. Good press-man corner, good zone cover, could go down in cover-two and blow up some plays. Real physical. So yeah, I've heard a lot and it meant a lot to me."
You're in Los Angeles. DB Deommodore Lenoir is down from L.A. too. Are you familiar with his play?
"Yeah, actually my two older brothers played in high school with him, so I know him a little bit. I'm pretty familiar with him."
LB Jaden Dugger
What has the pre-draft process been like for you? Did you have a lot of contact with the 49ers?
"I had a few early Zoom meetings with them, but besides that, I knew they were in touch with the agent a little bit. But outside of that, not really. I kind of know how this process works. They try to keep it quiet so a lot of teams will get onto you. I was kind of aware of it, but I was surprised when I saw the area code pop up on my phone. For sure."
You have an interesting background, having played safety and your height. Do you think that that's a strength of yours, playing coverage and kind of dropping back in the passing game?
"For sure. I feel like just that background helped me, and I'm more comfortable in those situations along with my size. So, a lot of people my size wouldn't be comfortable in those situations, but I am. I feel like those experiences prepared me for this."
Obviously, LB Fred Warner's got a background where he started off in the defensive backfield at BYU and then was moved to linebacker. Are you looking forward to picking his brain?
"Of course. I mean, not just that. I mean, he's one of the best linebackers in the league, if not the best. And then I've got a lot of other vets in the room as well and I'm happy to learn from. I know how important it is for rookies to come in and learn so they're not overwhelmed with the process. So, I'm happy I get to do it and learn from the best."
Did the 49ers at all discuss how they potentially could use you on the field?
"We didn't really talk about that too much, but my 49ers meeting was so early in the process, so it was a while ago. I'm not really sure what we really talked about. I've been on so many different visits now, but I'm pretty sure it'll be ironed out soon, like when I talk to them. So, I'm just excited."
Where are you right now?
"I'm back home in Pittsburgh."
As the Draft was unfolding, were you getting anxious? Were you getting frustrated? What was the experience for you to just wait for this?
"The thing is, I was kind of getting anxious. My agent kind of told me to expect like fourth to fifth. So, like I knew it was in that range where I could possibly be picked, but I know how things can go. You might not get picked where you're expected to. So, I was getting kind of antsy. I just told my mom that like I was getting impatient. I was like, 'am I going to get picked?' And I promise you, as soon as I thought that I looked down at my phone and it was ringing. So, I mean, it was crazy. Just blessed."
Do you see yourself as a MIKE linebacker or a SAM linebacker who can cover tight ends and taller guys out of that position?
"I mean, I feel like that's part of my strong suit. I could do both. I could pretty much do anything. I feel like depending on how teams use me in schemes, I could fit into anything. So, I feel like whatever they ask me to do, I'm going to be able to do it. So, I'm ready for it."
OL Enrique Cruz Jr.
Talk about your contact with the Niners during your pre-Draft process.
"We had some contact throughout the whole Draft situation. There was some contact at the American Bowl a lot of scouts and the coaches came out here, flew out to Chicago and I did a workout for them."
Were you surprised by the phone call from the 415-area code?
"I was and I wasn't at the same time coach. [Assistant head coach/offensive line] Chris Foerster, he liked me a lot and stuff, so I was just waiting for the phone call. I didn't know when it was going to come. Waiting for the phone call all day."
Can you describe your style and attitude as a lineman, and how you see it fitting in the NFL?
"Oh, my style and attitude. My style is I'm a great guy. I do what I have to do. I hustle all the time. With everything I do, I'm always trying to finish the play and I'm going to do whatever it takes to finish the play."
Where are you right now and who are you celebrating the Draft with?
"Oh, I'm with my whole family right now. I'm back at home in Chicago. I got a whole bunch of people right here. I'm trying to tell them to be quiet for a little bit."
Which NFL tackles have you watched the most film of and model your game off of?
"Oh, I definitely watched a lot of [T] Trent Williams, but another guy I model my game off of and watch a lot of is [Tampa Bay Buccaneers T] Tristan Wirfs. I was there at the Iowa Junior Day when he got drafted. Ever since then, he's been a really good tackle, and he's a guy that I like to watch a lot and idolize."
How much do you know about Trent Williams and his play at Tackle?
"Oh, he's one of the best tackles ever. He is one of the greatest ever. I'm just so excited to meet him and be able to learn a lot from him."
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