DL: 2026 Draft Class

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by Heroism:
Yeah, bro, I'm out on that profile. If a high-traits DL isn't showing real pass-rush flashes or day-one run defense, it's a pass for me.

Banks' pad level is a serious issue. In a wide 9, with wide splits and offenses living in duo/inside zone, he'd get walked back. There are already reps where OL get fully underneath him and drive him upright—sometimes nearly bending him backward. That doesn't survive in this scheme.

We've seen this before with Kinlaw. Same bet on traits, same problems anchoring, same results in the wide 9. Easy pass for me. I can live with him becoming Chris Jones for someone else, but I can't live with the 49ers drafting another Javon Kinlaw. Simply put, the 49ers aren't in a position to risk it for that type of player.

Eagles' run game is nasty. Jason Kelce and Landon Dickerson just drive Javon Kinlaw backwards.

Nobody's home in the A-gap as Miles Sanders walks in un-touched. pic.twitter.com/CnsWmbJn8I

— Akash Anavarathan (@akashanav) January 30, 2023

One thing I think the 49ers should be open to is targeting players with non-violent character concerns who are proven ballers on the field. They need an injection of talent and can't afford to be overly selective.

Bro my favorite DT might be that Navy kid. Naturally low pad level lol. I don't want to compare him to Donald so I'll go with a twitched up DJ Jones. His tape and clips that I've seen of him have me in awe; I soooooo want him on our team man. Hopefully he can get a waiver to postpone service or skip it altogether like that Army kid a few years ago

Originally posted by NYniner85:

I'm not evaluating college DL at the moment but this rush from Mesidor stopped me in my tracks. The fluidity and speed at which he clears the corner here is really impressive pic.twitter.com/JrljAyf9UI

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) February 9, 2026

Originally posted by LifelongNiner:
I honestly think we can build an elite D line this offseaaon. Six relatively early picks. If we keep it simple, this can be done quite easily. I've me mentioned Messidor in the first. We could keep Bosa, Williams, and Messidor at about 50 snaps a game with that rotation. If we keep Huff, we're pretty set an edge and can turn our attention inside.

Originally posted by Heroism:

Originally posted by adrianlesnar:
Have you watched R Mason Thomas?

I forgot to follow up after I finished watching RMT. Wow, this guy is f**king electric! I'm a BIG fan after watching his tape. He's definitely favorite edge so far that's realistic for the 49ers.

If it wasn't for the history of injuries, I'd take him all day at 27.

Originally posted by 49ers808:
Just curious in your line of thought bro. How is this guy big and long enough to play edge but Cassius Howell is not? Or would you consider RMT more of a pass rush specialist like you said about Howell?

Personally; I like both, but if I had to choose I would still go with Howell.

Originally posted by Heroism:

Originally posted by 49ers808:
Just curious in your line of thought bro. How is this guy big and long enough to play edge but Cassius Howell is not? Or would you consider RMT more of a pass rush specialist like you said about Howell?

Personally; I like both, but if I had to choose I would still go with Howell.

Yeah, I see them both in the same light as DPRs. I'd be happy with either one although I do lean more towards RMT.

The Raheem Morris has changed how some players fit in the defense quite a bit. A lot of this hinges on what he plans to do with the defense, but I do expect the 49ers to do more 5-man surfacing on base downs. Both RMT and Howell could technically become starters in that situation. But we won't really know until we hear from Raheem or OTAs.

Originally posted by NYniner85:
RMT reminds me of Dee Ford. Gotta wonder if that's their game plan this time around, get that DPR….Huff is on the last yr of his deal

Originally posted by Heroism:

R Mason Thomas=Dee Ford

Originally posted by Heroism:

Originally posted by 49ers808:
Just curious in your line of thought bro. How is this guy big and long enough to play edge but Cassius Howell is not? Or would you consider RMT more of a pass rush specialist like you said about Howell?

Personally; I like both, but if I had to choose I would still go with Howell.

Yeah, I see them both in the same light as DPRs. I'd be happy with either one although I do lean more towards RMT.

The Raheem Morris has changed how some players fit in the defense quite a bit. A lot of this hinges on what he plans to do with the defense, but I do expect the 49ers to do more 5-man surfacing on base downs. Both RMT and Howell could technically become starters in that situation. But we won't really know until we hear from Raheem or OTAs.

Originally posted by NYniner85:
RMT reminds me of Dee Ford. Gotta wonder if that's their game plan this time around, get that DPR….Huff is on the last yr of his deal

Originally posted by Heroism:

Originally posted by NYniner85:
RMT reminds me of Dee Ford. Gotta wonder if that's their game plan this time around, get that DPR….Huff is on the last yr of his deal

👀

Originally posted by Heroism:

R Mason Thomas=Dee Ford

Originally posted by NYniner85:

If you need an edge rusher, this is a good draft to double up. The depth of the class is impressive. I've got 10 guys worthy of a spot in top 50 players. There's another layer of traitsy players beyond that group.

— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) February 13, 2026

Originally posted by Hoovtrain:
Everything they really need seems to be deep in this draft…ER, WR, S, IOL. They better not f**k this up lol