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2026 Draft Prospect Watch List and Discussion

Mar 31, 2026 at 5:54 PM
Originally posted by ritz126:
im guessing hes healthy

he missed all of last year wouldve been CB1 in this draft based on his tape 2 years ago

He's my CB3 based off of his 2024
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Apr 1, 2026 at 5:05 AM
Originally posted by Heroism:
Originally posted by NYniner85:

Remember when Saleh first got here and ran that 4-3 under with the Sam LB on the line of scrimmage? It was like a hybrid 3-4/4-3 role where the SAM was a force player on the line of scrimmage but would also rush the passer at times. Bruce Irvin made this role famous in the original LOB days. I feel like the 49ers are going to revert back to a similar defense under Raheem Morris, and while I haven't sat down to watch Jaishawn Barham, the little I've seen of him reminds me so much of Bruce Irvin in that role. He seems to have the power and violence to take on blocks and force everything inside while giving the DC a moving piece that can get after the QB or drop into coverage; a guy you can slant or stunt across gaps; someone you can keep on the field on money downs put his hand in the dirt to get the QB.

I can't remember what draft video I was watching about DL, but that was literally the comp for him…Bruce Irvin lol.

honestly, I'm at the point where I'd rather go for one of these types of package type rushers on day 2/3 vs spending a top 58 pick on one (unless someone drops).
Apr 1, 2026 at 5:11 AM
Originally posted by OnTheClock:
My thoughts exactly. I think his versatility could get him picked in the 2nd. I have him slotted to go late 2nd currently... close to our pick...

I feel like that's a little rich. I'm viewing him more as a late 3rd rd type of guy. Maybe someone we can move up for or we couple possibly recoup a 3rd with a trade down in the 1st.

him/Heights/thomas are guys I'm kinda eying as those sub package edge guys. Not sure we need to invest in a 3 down DE like a Young, Mesidor or Parker in the 1st.
Apr 1, 2026 at 5:33 AM
Originally posted by OnTheClock:
My thoughts exactly. I think his versatility could get him picked in the 2nd. I have him slotted to go late 2nd currently... close to our pick...

what do you think of him vs Harold Perkins? I also see him as a chess piece he is a bit more of a LB but he is a great athlete with some serious pass rush skills. He had an ACL injury in 2024 had a good year last year but was projected to be a top 5 to top 10 pick before the injury. Hes a year removed from that
Apr 1, 2026 at 1:21 PM
Originally posted by ritz126:
Originally posted by OnTheClock:
My thoughts exactly. I think his versatility could get him picked in the 2nd. I have him slotted to go late 2nd currently... close to our pick...

what do you think of him vs Harold Perkins? I also see him as a chess piece he is a bit more of a LB but he is a great athlete with some serious pass rush skills. He had an ACL injury in 2024 had a good year last year but was projected to be a top 5 to top 10 pick before the injury. Hes a year removed from that

Complete different prospects imo.
Apr 1, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Hopefully we pick BPA who were stars in college and no injury history regardless of position. We need more playmakers for now and for the future.
Apr 1, 2026 at 7:45 PM
Originally posted by OnTheClock:
Originally posted by Heroism:

Remember when Saleh first got here and ran that 4-3 under with the Sam LB on the line of scrimmage? It was like a hybrid 3-4/4-3 role where the SAM was a force player on the line of scrimmage but would also rush the passer at times. Bruce Irvin made this role famous in the original LOB days. I feel like the 49ers are going to revert back to a similar defense under Raheem Morris, and while I haven't sat down to watch Jaishawn Barham, the little I've seen of him reminds me so much of Bruce Irvin in that role. He seems to have the power and violence to take on blocks and force everything inside while giving the DC a moving piece that can get after the QB or drop into coverage; a guy you can slant or stunt across gaps; someone you can keep on the field on money downs put his hand in the dirt to get the QB.

My thoughts exactly. I think his versatility could get him picked in the 2nd. I have him slotted to go late 2nd currently... close to our pick...

Just read a bunch of articles on him…seems to be rising up the boards .
Apr 1, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Originally posted by 49erF90:
Hopefully we pick BPA who were stars in college and no injury history regardless of position. We need more playmakers for now and for the future.

we dont have a top 5 pick to pick a star college player with no injury history
Apr 2, 2026 at 1:08 PM

MM been consistently mocking him to us. He kinda reminds me of Ngakoue.
Apr 2, 2026 at 1:23 PM
Originally posted by NYniner85:

MM been consistently mocking him to us. He kinda reminds me of Ngakoue.

I dont see it. Ngakoue is more well rounded and can play base defense. He was a full time starter most of career and routinely played 70% of snaps in his prime.

Howell is a DPR. In a 4-3 hes playing passing downs and 2 minute drill. More like 40% of snaps ala Bryce Huff or Vic Beasley. He's too exposed in the run game. Just watch the Notre Dame tape. Unless, you talk to player and/or coaches and they say it was scheme and he was greenlight to QB at all times. But I'm not sure about that because you dont see the rotation or coverage behind it.
Apr 2, 2026 at 4:29 PM
Originally posted by scooterhd:
I dont see it. Ngakoue is more well rounded and can play base defense. He was a full time starter most of career and routinely played 70% of snaps in his prime.

Howell is a DPR. In a 4-3 hes playing passing downs and 2 minute drill. More like 40% of snaps ala Bryce Huff or Vic Beasley. He's too exposed in the run game. Just watch the Notre Dame tape. Unless, you talk to player and/or coaches and they say it was scheme and he was greenlight to QB at all times. But I'm not sure about that because you dont see the rotation or coverage behind it.

Yeah I'm gonna disagree with that, Yannick was a liability vs the run all the same. I'm not saying I want Howell, I understand what he is. I also get what we need and they've been searching for the high end speed rusher (since Ford) who's only job is to get after the QB on those money downs.

Personally, I would rather go for Hieghts or Barham on day 3 if the goal is to get a DPR. I don't think they're gonna go for the usual 3 down DE they're accustomed to unless someone drops.
Apr 2, 2026 at 4:47 PM
Where's the discussion about the kicker they're gonna draft with the 2nd pick lol. The Niners, along with several other teams have shown extensive interest in the Houston cougars kicker Ethan Sanchez. How to trigger every Niner fan to completely lose their s**t.
Apr 2, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Originally posted by ninerjok:
Where's the discussion about the kicker they're gonna draft with the 2nd pick lol. The Niners, along with several other teams have shown extensive interest in the Houston cougars kicker Ethan Sanchez. How to trigger every Niner fan to completely lose their s**t.

Apr 2, 2026 at 9:13 PM
Originally posted by ritz126:
Originally posted by OnTheClock:
My thoughts exactly. I think his versatility could get him picked in the 2nd. I have him slotted to go late 2nd currently... close to our pick...

what do you think of him vs Harold Perkins? I also see him as a chess piece he is a bit more of a LB but he is a great athlete with some serious pass rush skills. He had an ACL injury in 2024 had a good year last year but was projected to be a top 5 to top 10 pick before the injury. Hes a year removed from that

Perkins is an interesting case. Incredible athlete but IMO hasn't maximized that ability on the field. Kind similar to Dee Winters. Recall Winters ran 4.49 but it didn't help him cover any better. I see that same issue with Perkins. Dude ran a 4.38 but never consistently covered running backs well.

I like him in the middle rounds but the rarity of a 4.3 LB could get him sneaking into day two.

Barham though I think is underrated. I think he would be best fit in a 3–4 so if we're running those fronts, I think he's easily a top 75 level guy.

Depends who's on the board, but generally I'd be OK with taking him in the second, barring a clear-cut better guy available.
Apr 3, 2026 at 5:18 AM
Originally posted by OnTheClock:
Originally posted by ritz126:
Originally posted by OnTheClock:
My thoughts exactly. I think his versatility could get him picked in the 2nd. I have him slotted to go late 2nd currently... close to our pick...

what do you think of him vs Harold Perkins? I also see him as a chess piece he is a bit more of a LB but he is a great athlete with some serious pass rush skills. He had an ACL injury in 2024 had a good year last year but was projected to be a top 5 to top 10 pick before the injury. Hes a year removed from that

Perkins is an interesting case. Incredible athlete but IMO hasn't maximized that ability on the field. Kind similar to Dee Winters. Recall Winters ran 4.49 but it didn't help him cover any better. I see that same issue with Perkins. Dude ran a 4.38 but never consistently covered running backs well.

I like him in the middle rounds but the rarity of a 4.3 LB could get him sneaking into day two.

Barham though I think is underrated. I think he would be best fit in a 3–4 so if we're running those fronts, I think he's easily a top 75 level guy.

Depends who's on the board, but generally I'd be OK with taking him in the second, barring a clear-cut better guy available.

got it ya its a bit interesting one is an EDGE turned LB the other is an LB turned EDGE. I kinda see Perkins as an excellent blitzing LB he is extremely talented at shedding blocks and has some serious pass rushing moves but as you said since he got converted to LB kinda late his coverage needs improvement but he has the athleticism and tools
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