Team Needs 2026 NFL Draft

Originally posted by TopDogBerkeley:
Since it is very early, I am only looking at who is under contract after 2025. 49ers will resign some current players and bring in others, but here is where we will likely see the early round picks:

1. Offensive Tackle: Trent Williams, Colton McKivitz. Spencer Burford's free agency affects depth at both OT and OG, but realistically Lynch needs to find a plus OT to replace Williams. I can't see Williams lasting past 2026, so they need to draft a starter and a swing tackle.
2. Wide Receiver: Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins, Jacob Cowing, Junior Bergen. Losing Aiyuk and Jennings makes this a very thin position with many question marks. Cowing/Bergen may be able to replace Moore in the return game, but they need a true #1.
3. Defensive Tackle: Alfred Collins, CJ West, Sebastian Valdez, Evan Anderson. Promising youngsters but this area is real thin after the free agency losses.
4. Interior Offensive Line: Jake Brendel, Dominick Puni, Matt Hennessey, Connor Colby, Drake Nugent. Aforementioned Burford departs, so you need a new starter at left guard. A plus Center would also help.
5. Defensive End: Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, Bryce Huff, Keion White. Depth is needed here since key players are coming back from injury. I can see a big DE and a fast EDGE being added to complement the incumbents.

The roster overall is quite strong, so a few key signings and some good picks makes this team perennially competitive.

I would say DE should be a lot higher than DT.

My rankings probably owuld be

1. OT
2. C
3. DE - specifically pass rushing
4. S - I'd love to see Brown and Mustapha to keep playing well and push this down but I'm not sold we have our long term starter at either spot
5. WR - it's a need for sure but I'd prioritize the other positions first since we have some guys who could step up and also more likely to add via FA or land later in the draft. Could be flipped with S.

Originally posted by genus49:
I would say DE should be a lot higher than DT.

My rankings probably owuld be

1. OT
2. C
3. DE - specifically pass rushing
4. S - I'd love to see Brown and Mustapha to keep playing well and push this down but I'm not sold we have our long term starter at either spot
5. WR - it's a need for sure but I'd prioritize the other positions first since we have some guys who could step up and also more likely to add via FA or land later in the draft. Could be flipped with S.

I can agree with this. Unfortunately this draft isn't strong at the OL. Especially picking were we will be in the first round. WR and Edge seems to be pretty strong though.

Seeing the lack of pass rush without Bosa I'd go get another edge in the first and hit WR in the 2nd. That's where the strength seems to be.

David Bailey in the first round
Bell kid from Louisville in the 2nd round

that would be my dream.

It would be interesting if Lynch again trades up to grab an Arizona State receiver...

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Tyson missed three games this season due to a hamstring injury, but he's still the best receiver in the class. The 6' 2", 200-pound Tyson is an explosive, fluid mover and route technician who may be the draft's purest separator. He can play inside and outside, and he's dangerous after the catch, too, with his vision and athleticism.

Originally posted by TopDogBerkeley:
It would be interesting if Lynch again trades up to grab an Arizona State receiver...

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Tyson missed three games this season due to a hamstring injury, but he's still the best receiver in the class. The 6' 2", 200-pound Tyson is an explosive, fluid mover and route technician who may be the draft's purest separator. He can play inside and outside, and he's dangerous after the catch, too, with his vision and athleticism.

No trading up this year. Let draft come to you.

Originally posted by 9ers4eva:

Originally posted by TopDogBerkeley:
It would be interesting if Lynch again trades up to grab an Arizona State receiver...

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Tyson missed three games this season due to a hamstring injury, but he's still the best receiver in the class. The 6' 2", 200-pound Tyson is an explosive, fluid mover and route technician who may be the draft's purest separator. He can play inside and outside, and he's dangerous after the catch, too, with his vision and athleticism.

No trading up this year. Let draft come to you.

Plus WR is super deep this year

What is needed most? We need to stop whiffing on picks! Not sure if that requires a major overhaul of the methodology on how we make picks but it's clear there is room for improvement…

1. Offensive tackle- Trent while not a runaway number 1 is still a top five offensive tackle. He continues to defy father time and continues to buy us yet ANOTHER year of security. I wish people would stop with the he might retire talk. He isn't. Not after this season at least. Buuuuuut it would be nice to have a trusted tackle we could move into the LT spot. Because Trent has bought us some time, it isn't an absolute must that we draft a tackle in the first as said player would be a swing tackle. They could take McKivitz's spot but given he was just extended and solidly average, I think his spot is safe. It's after McKivitz where it truly gets scary. People have to be realistic in terms of what we can do in terms of tackle talent. I'd like a pick that is versatile enough to play at LG until taking over at tackle. Given how quickly the talent goes, we would have to invest a 1st round pick. We also need to tighten up our run blocking. I don't think CMC is 2023 CMC, but I do think we can be a lot more explosive in the run game if we get back to where we were with our run blocking.

2. Offensive guard- While my number one need temporarily addresses this, I'd like Dominick Puni moved over the C which will create a hole at RG. Once again, we need to tighten up our run blocking. With so many picks in the 3rd and 4th, one of those spots would be perfect to address this position. I'd love to see an OLine that isn't ever going to get pushed around and can blow guys off the ball while still having the athleticism to run the outside zone. This requires bigger, stronger, yet still athletic guys.

3. Defensive end- If we are fully healthy, I don't see this as a full need, but just thinking about the future. We have Huff under contract one more year and while I think he can be a 7-10 sack guy if he were simply used as a 3rd down rusher and we had Bosa and Williams taking up most of the defensive snaps, we have to be proactive. Beal isn't it and Sam O is a 5th edge rusher type of guy. Also, edge rushers have to be drafted early so I'd like to see a DE in round 2.

4. Defensive tackle- I'm satisfied with the Collins and West picks, but we need more of a pass rusher. I think if a guy like Hargrave or Collins were guys on rookie contracts, they'd still be here. We just need a real pass rushing threat from the interior. Taking care of that would protect the secondary a bit.

5. Tight end- I love Kittle and Tonges. I'd like a player that doesn't really exist in the draft- a monster blocker who can add something in the passing game lol. It just seems that these players just aren't around. But I'd hope that somewhere in all of FBS, FCS, and Division 2 football, there is a tight end that can be a DE on their behind and at minimum be an average pass catcher. Said player could be had on day 3. It also would help to ensure there is no drop off when Kittle is taking a breather or we could run more 2 TE sets (think redzone) where we can either pass or run out of it.

6. Fullback- This is also about being able to dominate in the run game and can help compensate if we likely never get to the point of having 3 or more top 20 players on OL. I'd look at someone who has Juice's background- a converted tight end that can make those blocks and add to our passing game. Maybe one of the later drafted tight ends can be converted. There seems to be no shortage of guys that can catch well. If they are a plus as a blocker, once you get past the top candidates, they would be prime for that conversion.

7. Wide Receiver- If we can somehow hold onto Jennings, this isn't as big of a deal because I think in 2026 either Cowing or Watkins will emerge after a couple offseasons in this system. But we need to add another just to keep a steady stream of guys developing.

8. Corner- we really should be taking one every year.

Originally posted by genus49:

Originally posted by TopDogBerkeley:
Since it is very early, I am only looking at who is under contract after 2025. 49ers will resign some current players and bring in others, but here is where we will likely see the early round picks:

1. Offensive Tackle: Trent Williams, Colton McKivitz. Spencer Burford's free agency affects depth at both OT and OG, but realistically Lynch needs to find a plus OT to replace Williams. I can't see Williams lasting past 2026, so they need to draft a starter and a swing tackle.
2. Wide Receiver: Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins, Jacob Cowing, Junior Bergen. Losing Aiyuk and Jennings makes this a very thin position with many question marks. Cowing/Bergen may be able to replace Moore in the return game, but they need a true #1.
3. Defensive Tackle: Alfred Collins, CJ West, Sebastian Valdez, Evan Anderson. Promising youngsters but this area is real thin after the free agency losses.
4. Interior Offensive Line: Jake Brendel, Dominick Puni, Matt Hennessey, Connor Colby, Drake Nugent. Aforementioned Burford departs, so you need a new starter at left guard. A plus Center would also help.
5. Defensive End: Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, Bryce Huff, Keion White. Depth is needed here since key players are coming back from injury. I can see a big DE and a fast EDGE being added to complement the incumbents.

The roster overall is quite strong, so a few key signings and some good picks makes this team perennially competitive.

I would say DE should be a lot higher than DT.

My rankings probably owuld be

1. OT
2. C
3. DE - specifically pass rushing
4. S - I'd love to see Brown and Mustapha to keep playing well and push this down but I'm not sold we have our long term starter at either spot
5. WR - it's a need for sure but I'd prioritize the other positions first since we have some guys who could step up and also more likely to add via FA or land later in the draft. Could be flipped with S.

1- We aren't taking an OT as long as Trent is still playing and we definitely aren't taking one to sit on the bench and be a backup. If he retires LT is need #1

2- We aren't taking a C as long as Brendel is starting. Shanahan will not start a rookie. Maybe we sign a vet but then that means Shanahan will have to cut Brendel and I can't see that happening

3- Possibility. Depending on the status of Bosa and Mykel. I think we will probably bring back Ferrell and we will also have Huff, White and Sam O under contract. That's 6 guys.

4- These guys don't prioritize safety and they have been praising Brown. I doubt a rookie replaces him. A reserve safety is probably needed with Pinnock a pending UFA

5- WR. Huge need

I think our biggest needs are:

1A- DT

We only have Alfred Collins and CJ West signed for next year. Jordan Elliot, Kalia Davis and Kevin Givens are all UFAs and probably best as backups anyways. We don't have a true 3T. I hope we sign a true pass rushing 3T (Devonte Wyatt)

1B*- WR (depending on Jennings)

Aiuyk is gone. Pearsall can't stay healthy and Jennings and Bourne are UFA's. I'd give Jennings the 3 year, 60 mil deal Jacobi Meyers got. If he leaves we need a starting WR. If he stays we still need another WR but it won't be as pressing

2- LG

Bartch can't stay healthy and shouldn't be resigned. Burford is a pending UFA and probably better suited as a backup

A lot is going to change, but as of today the most uncertainty is at WR. Aiyuk, Jennings, Bourne & Moore could all be gone. Pearsall has been out multiple games. Robinson looks more like the #5 WR than the #3 WR. Watkins in an unknown so far. If the draft were today they would definitely pick a WR first. In addition, this WR class is talented, so a guy you get late in the first round might have been a #15 pick in other drafts.

The good news is that Aiyuk's departure clears cap space so you could resign Jennings and Moore, and focus on other positions with the 1st two picks. To me that is the ideal scenario.

Originally posted by Sask49erFan:

Originally posted by genus49:

Originally posted by TopDogBerkeley:
Since it is very early, I am only looking at who is under contract after 2025. 49ers will resign some current players and bring in others, but here is where we will likely see the early round picks:

1. Offensive Tackle: Trent Williams, Colton McKivitz. Spencer Burford's free agency affects depth at both OT and OG, but realistically Lynch needs to find a plus OT to replace Williams. I can't see Williams lasting past 2026, so they need to draft a starter and a swing tackle.
2. Wide Receiver: Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins, Jacob Cowing, Junior Bergen. Losing Aiyuk and Jennings makes this a very thin position with many question marks. Cowing/Bergen may be able to replace Moore in the return game, but they need a true #1.
3. Defensive Tackle: Alfred Collins, CJ West, Sebastian Valdez, Evan Anderson. Promising youngsters but this area is real thin after the free agency losses.
4. Interior Offensive Line: Jake Brendel, Dominick Puni, Matt Hennessey, Connor Colby, Drake Nugent. Aforementioned Burford departs, so you need a new starter at left guard. A plus Center would also help.
5. Defensive End: Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, Bryce Huff, Keion White. Depth is needed here since key players are coming back from injury. I can see a big DE and a fast EDGE being added to complement the incumbents.

The roster overall is quite strong, so a few key signings and some good picks makes this team perennially competitive.

I would say DE should be a lot higher than DT.

My rankings probably owuld be

1. OT
2. C
3. DE - specifically pass rushing
4. S - I'd love to see Brown and Mustapha to keep playing well and push this down but I'm not sold we have our long term starter at either spot
5. WR - it's a need for sure but I'd prioritize the other positions first since we have some guys who could step up and also more likely to add via FA or land later in the draft. Could be flipped with S.

1- We aren't taking an OT as long as Trent is still playing and we definitely aren't taking one to sit on the bench and be a backup. If he retires LT is need #1

2- We aren't taking a C as long as Brendel is starting. Shanahan will not start a rookie. Maybe we sign a vet but then that means Shanahan will have to cut Brendel and I can't see that happening

3- Possibility. Depending on the status of Bosa and Mykel. I think we will probably bring back Ferrell and we will also have Huff, White and Sam O under contract. That's 6 guys.

4- These guys don't prioritize safety and they have been praising Brown. I doubt a rookie replaces him. A reserve safety is probably needed with Pinnock a pending UFA

5- WR. Huge need

I think our biggest needs are:

1A- DT

We only have Alfred Collins and CJ West signed for next year. Jordan Elliot, Kalia Davis and Kevin Givens are all UFAs and probably best as backups anyways. We don't have a true 3T. I hope we sign a true pass rushing 3T (Devonte Wyatt)

1B*- WR (depending on Jennings)

Aiuyk is gone. Pearsall can't stay healthy and Jennings and Bourne are UFA's. I'd give Jennings the 3 year, 60 mil deal Jacobi Meyers got. If he leaves we need a starting WR. If he stays we still need another WR but it won't be as pressing

2- LG

Bartch can't stay healthy and shouldn't be resigned. Burford is a pending UFA and probably better suited as a backup

They aren't giving Jennings 20 million. They had a chance to do that and passed. Now that could be because they had the Aiyuk contract, but I still can't see it. Personally, I think the receiver market is overinflated and has been since 2022. It really hasn't translated for any of the teams. Just a lot of cash paid out for a position that seemingly keeps churning out good players from the college ranks. You'd think with so much supply the numbers would drop, but it has not and will not given what Myers just got.

I think if there were a LT that could slide inside and play guard temporarily and then they ultimately move to tackle, they would and should do it.

Originally posted by TopDogBerkeley:
A lot is going to change, but as of today the most uncertainty is at WR. Aiyuk, Jennings, Bourne & Moore could all be gone. Pearsall has been out multiple games. Robinson looks more like the #5 WR than the #3 WR. Watkins in an unknown so far. If the draft were today they would definitely pick a WR first. In addition, this WR class is talented, so a guy you get late in the first round might have been a #15 pick in other drafts.

The good news is that Aiyuk's departure clears cap space so you could resign Jennings and Moore, and focus on other positions with the 1st two picks. To me that is the ideal scenario.

I think Moore is most likely to be resigned. We have never had a reliable returner and the team hasn't had a good returner since Ted Ginn. That was almost 15 years ago. I don't think they let Moore walk away. I think our first or second pick is WR and we go OL, with the other pick- either 1) WR 2) OL or 1) OL 2) WR.

It'll be interesting to see what Jenning's value is league wide. I wish we could get him in that 10 - 12 million range, but that Myers deal blew that all up. Leave it to Jacksonville to again keep the market inflated (remember the Christian Kirk contract for 18 million a year).

My hope is that next year, we can come back with Pearsall, Jennings (miracle), Robinson, Cowing, Watkins, and another rookie to add to the mix. Doesn't intimdiate anyone on paper, but if we can get our run blocking in order and get back to dominating with our run game again, it could compensate. The passing game has been carried by Brock's processing, Mac's checkdown ability, and Kyle's playcalling this year.

Originally posted by TopDogBerkeley:
A lot is going to change, but as of today the most uncertainty is at WR. Aiyuk, Jennings, Bourne & Moore could all be gone. Pearsall has been out multiple games. Robinson looks more like the #5 WR than the #3 WR. Watkins in an unknown so far. If the draft were today they would definitely pick a WR first. In addition, this WR class is talented, so a guy you get late in the first round might have been a #15 pick in other drafts.

The good news is that Aiyuk's departure clears cap space so you could resign Jennings and Moore, and focus on other positions with the 1st two picks. To me that is the ideal scenario.

I think what Jennings has going for him is the intangible of what he brings to the table. With Aiyuk gone for good, we do not have a great blocking receiver. I'm hoping that Watkins is getting better in this regard. I hope we can add a strong blocking TE and fullback/h-back type to aid in the running game lol.

Originally posted by Hoovtrain:

Originally posted by 9ers4eva:

Originally posted by TopDogBerkeley:
It would be interesting if Lynch again trades up to grab an Arizona State receiver...

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Tyson missed three games this season due to a hamstring injury, but he's still the best receiver in the class. The 6' 2", 200-pound Tyson is an explosive, fluid mover and route technician who may be the draft's purest separator. He can play inside and outside, and he's dangerous after the catch, too, with his vision and athleticism.

No trading up this year. Let draft come to you.

Plus WR is super deep this year

This type of logic is how you end up with Javon Kinlaw instead of Ceedee Lamb or Justin Jefferson.

Free Safety is the biggest need on the team

Originally posted by 9ers4eva:
Free Safety is the biggest need on the team

They've got most of the DBs under contract for the near future, in contrast to all the potential free agency losses at WR, DE and DT. Plus you gotta look at Trent Williams replacement. I really doubt we'll see a pricey free agent or high draft pick at DB.

Originally posted by TopDogBerkeley:
They've got most of the DBs under contract for the near future, in contrast to all the potential free agency losses at WR, DE and DT. Plus you gotta look at Trent Williams replacement. I really doubt we'll see a pricey free agent or high draft pick at DB.

Not at safety they don't. Brown sucks anyway. Not sold on either Mustapha or Sigle at SS either but at least they have shown flashes.

Trent said yesterday he wants to play more than one more year anyway.

At some point this team needs to stop with the bargain basement secondary strategy.