DL: 2026 Draft Class

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by ritz126:
I dont think thats true. I think the idea is to have some one we can also rotate in as well and keep Williams and Bosa fresh without sacrificing pass rush. Also if someone misses a game or two our pass rush wont fall down a cliff. I think a guy like Howell is great but he is a complete liability against the run where you may not even be bale to play him on base downs. Howell may be a guy who can get those splash plays get 8-12 sacks a year but i feel like thats all he can do and wont do the little things well. I think Lawerence isnt great against the run but can get better there but against the pass he has all the tools you look including those you cant teach (athelthicisim) and those that are hard to teach in practicality (pass rushing moves).

I mean you were just telling that we shouldn't take WR because they won't be a full time guy? We got multiple WRs that injured all the time just the same. That position fell off a cliff all the same last yr.

How much better is Lawerance gonna get? He's 23 now and already has a pass rush package. I don't see him packing on much more muscle either.

someone like Jaishawn Barham is athletic as well and just started learning how to be a pass rusher. He's got the frame to some add muscle, his athletic profile is very similar to Will Anderson jr (not saying he will ever be that). He's long with big heavy hands, ideal fit for an odd man front (think Walker in ATL).

Why couldn't they grab him as a DPR who can also drop in coverage? He's twitchy and has some great bend. I'm just throwing out other scenarios besides just reaching for a EDGE at 27

i also said i think DL is the exception to this. The reason I feel that way is DL is the most demanding position and keeping guys fresh creates a consistent pass rush. i would actually prefer your scenario more than getting Lawrence at 27 but without a 3rd there is a more than decent chance we would have to grab him in 2nd round. Im just saying i would perfer Lawrence at 27 more than a WR and some other players. I agree Lawrence may be a DPR at first but he has the capability to play EDGE if Williams or Bosa miss time ot if we want to get creative in formations. For Howell he is what he is which is just rush him off the EDGE and most likelt at the 7 or 9 position (again not bad but maybe i would perfer Height who can play a similar role later in draft although no doubt Howell is better)

but has never played football

Originally posted by blizzuntz:

The most freakish athlete in the 2026 draft class has never played a single snap of organized football. Uar Bernard, the Nigerian 6'4, 306 lb, 6% bodyfat Super Freak! Read this.

4.63 40
39" Vertical
10' 10 Broad Jump

Bernard might be the most athletic prospect in the entire… pic.twitter.com/nW0Cmqgnmb

— Tyler Polumbus (@Tyler_Polumbus) April 8, 2026

but has never played football

this is a guy you take with the 7th put on PS and find a role for him

Originally posted by blizzuntz:

The most freakish athlete in the 2026 draft class has never played a single snap of organized football. Uar Bernard, the Nigerian 6'4, 306 lb, 6% bodyfat Super Freak! Read this.

4.63 40
39" Vertical
10' 10 Broad Jump

Bernard might be the most athletic prospect in the entire… pic.twitter.com/nW0Cmqgnmb

— Tyler Polumbus (@Tyler_Polumbus) April 8, 2026

but has never played football

And he never will

Originally posted by ritz126:
i also said i think DL is the exception to this. The reason I feel that way is DL is the most demanding position and keeping guys fresh creates a consistent pass rush. i would actually prefer your scenario more than getting Lawrence at 27 but without a 3rd there is a more than decent chance we would have to grab him in 2nd round. Im just saying i would perfer Lawrence at 27 more than a WR and some other players. I agree Lawrence may be a DPR at first but he has the capability to play EDGE if Williams or Bosa miss time ot if we want to get creative in formations. For Howell he is what he is which is just rush him off the EDGE and most likelt at the 7 or 9 position (again not bad but maybe i would perfer Height who can play a similar role later in draft although no doubt Howell is better)

We're one Evans pulled hammy away from having Ricky and nothing else of real impact at WR. SF has invested like $150M into Bosa, 11th overall in MW, 3rd in Osa, 2nd in Collins, 5th in west etc etc.

I'm not saying punt on DL, I'm saying you gotta invest in higher end talent at impact positions somewhere else all the same AND be able to get a rotational DPR type guy.

For me, I don't see Lawerence as a true 3 down DE in this defense. He's still primarily a sub package edge rusher.

SF has to be cool with being fluid in this draft. You like someone like Barham/Crawford/heights move up into the 3rd or move down in the second. We don't need 4 4th rd picks, we have plenty of depth.

You like Lawrence/howell or whomever, try and move down to acquire more picks to fill in higher end talent at a position you passed up to get DL….again.

As a guy who's always EDGE > just about everything, I'm not really sold on any guy projected to go at 27. I think there's quality depth later based on what we need (DPR) and we do have legit needs now and a yr from now elsewhere.

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by ritz126:
i also said i think DL is the exception to this. The reason I feel that way is DL is the most demanding position and keeping guys fresh creates a consistent pass rush. i would actually prefer your scenario more than getting Lawrence at 27 but without a 3rd there is a more than decent chance we would have to grab him in 2nd round. Im just saying i would perfer Lawrence at 27 more than a WR and some other players. I agree Lawrence may be a DPR at first but he has the capability to play EDGE if Williams or Bosa miss time ot if we want to get creative in formations. For Howell he is what he is which is just rush him off the EDGE and most likelt at the 7 or 9 position (again not bad but maybe i would perfer Height who can play a similar role later in draft although no doubt Howell is better)

We're one Evans pulled hammy away from having Ricky and nothing else of real impact at WR. SF has invested like $150M into Bosa, 11th overall in MW, 3rd in Osa, 2nd in Collins, 5th in west etc etc.

I'm not saying punt on DL, I'm saying you gotta invest in higher end talent at impact positions somewhere else all the same AND be able to get a rotational DPR type guy.

For me, I don't see Lawerence as a true 3 down DE in this defense. He's still primarily a sub package edge rusher.

SF has to be cool with being fluid in this draft. You like someone like Barham/Crawford/heights move up into the 3rd or move down in the second. We don't need 4 4th rd picks, we have plenty of depth.

You like Lawrence/howell or whomever, try and move down to acquire more picks to fill in higher end talent at a position you passed up to get DL….again.

As a guy who's always EDGE > just about everything, I'm not really sold on any guy projected to go at 27. I think there's quality depth later based on what we need (DPR) and we do have legit needs now and a yr from now elsewhere.

We had Bourne and Robinson as our WRs last year and still finished top 5 in offense.

Originally posted by NYniner85:
Drake Jackson, while I was never a fan of the pick spent the majority of his time here hurt. Like damn near all of our guys.

For me this isn't a debate on if Lawerence sucks or not it's him vs the field and the draft value. IMO we can find a DPR that can get you that 6-8 sacks a yr (not sure where the number 8 came from to determine worth). It someone like heights/mason/Barham can get me say 6 sacks a yr and they cost me a day 2/3 pick vs Lawrence and his 8 sacks for pick 27, I'm inclined to go for the day 2/3 pick and grab a position of need elsewhere at 27 (or possibly move down).

Like I said I've always been draft EDGE above just about everything else. I think every draft is different though and this one has guys that I think can serve a purpose as that DPR only guy.

Like others said this DPR we get isn't getting on the field for 3 downs. Yes you want a rotation, but their snaps will be limited to rushing more than anything else.

You brought up the number 8 you mentioned you felt there was a handful of players we could add to our DL (if healthy) that could get us 8+ sacks.

I think disagreement about the combines involvement aside, we just disagree about Malachi as a talent. DPR year 1 sure, maybe even 2. But I think hes a 3 down player capable of potentially anchoring the defense once Bosa slows down or leaves.

I should probably mention, Ive also been advocating to draft both Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham since early February-ish, precombine. Not sure how many others would be happy to see us draft 2 edge rushers, tho id envision Barham playing offball and then coming down for our 52 fronts.

I also would draft a 3rd edge next year when Anto Saka comes out im pass rusher obsessed.

In an ideal world:
Trade 1.27 for 2, 3, 4
2 Malachi Lawrence, EDGE
2 Jaishawn Barham, LB/EDGE
3 Oscar Delp, TE
4 Antonio Williams, WR
4 DeMonte Capehart, DT
4 Beau Stephens, LG
4 VJ Payne, S
4 Jude Bowry, OT

2027
1 Koi Perich, S
2 Charles Jagusah, OL
3 Anto Saka, EDGE
4 Ian Strong, WR

Originally posted by 91til:
No love for Boston or you just think he's more likely to be gone?

More of an oversight tbh. I have him as WR 6 in the class, but not my favorite WR specifically for this team to use pick 27 on.

I think there are developmental Xs who we can take later that aren't quiet as good as Boston right now, but that will get there by the time Evans is gone.

Originally posted by 91til:

Originally posted by adrianlesnar:

Originally posted by DoseOfBosa:
yup
we've needed that Dee Ford replacement since '19

and I don't see it at 27
maybe Lawrence and Howell are the closest - they had the two fastest 10 yd splits at the combine after Reese
but Howell has the short arms and Lawrence is kinda good at a lot of things, but not great at anything

the FO knows we need that Ford replacement too
20 sacks last year as team - minus 4 because Huff is gone

also why we're connected to every pass rusher who could be available for trade

imo:
best case scenario is Bailey or Bain drops into the teens and we move up (unlikely)
most likely scenario - Howell or Lawrence at 27, then maybe trade from someone like Nolan Smith or Hebrig
worse case scenario - we delay DE until 2 or 3 and end up with Sam Okuayinonu as our #3 DE

but DE is blatantly our biggest need - Huff gone, Bosa returning from ACL, Mykel ACL

I don't understand pundits saying WR, OT or TE... we had 20 sacks last year

I think all 3 are needs, but i dont think youre getting an edge in second round, let alone 4th. WR should have plenty of options with potential to start. Its a very low probability that McKivitz isnt starting at RT next year. I dont think the next Trent Williams is in this class. And Oscar Delp will be the best TE out of this class, imo. But if it takes a 1st to get him and we dont so be it.

Here's my list, in general order, of how id use pick 27:
Myles Garrett, DE
Dexter Lawrence, DT
Trade Down with top 44
Malachi Lawrence, EDGE
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE
Omar Cooper Jr., WR
KC Concepcion, WR/PR/KR
Cashius Howell, EDGE
Emmanuel Pregnon, LG
Kadyn Proctor, OL
Dillon Thieneman, S
Chase Bisontis, LG
Aveion Terrell, CB
Max Iheanachor, OT
Keylan Rutledge, IOL
Caleb Banks, DT
Kenyon Sadiq, TE
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S

No love for Boston or you just think he's more likely to be gone?

Sadiq at the bottom lol.

If he falls to #27 he is and should be the pick as clear BPA.

Originally posted by Hysterikal:

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by ritz126:
i also said i think DL is the exception to this. The reason I feel that way is DL is the most demanding position and keeping guys fresh creates a consistent pass rush. i would actually prefer your scenario more than getting Lawrence at 27 but without a 3rd there is a more than decent chance we would have to grab him in 2nd round. Im just saying i would perfer Lawrence at 27 more than a WR and some other players. I agree Lawrence may be a DPR at first but he has the capability to play EDGE if Williams or Bosa miss time ot if we want to get creative in formations. For Howell he is what he is which is just rush him off the EDGE and most likelt at the 7 or 9 position (again not bad but maybe i would perfer Height who can play a similar role later in draft although no doubt Howell is better)

We're one Evans pulled hammy away from having Ricky and nothing else of real impact at WR. SF has invested like $150M into Bosa, 11th overall in MW, 3rd in Osa, 2nd in Collins, 5th in west etc etc.

I'm not saying punt on DL, I'm saying you gotta invest in higher end talent at impact positions somewhere else all the same AND be able to get a rotational DPR type guy.

For me, I don't see Lawerence as a true 3 down DE in this defense. He's still primarily a sub package edge rusher.

SF has to be cool with being fluid in this draft. You like someone like Barham/Crawford/heights move up into the 3rd or move down in the second. We don't need 4 4th rd picks, we have plenty of depth.

You like Lawrence/howell or whomever, try and move down to acquire more picks to fill in higher end talent at a position you passed up to get DL….again.

As a guy who's always EDGE > just about everything, I'm not really sold on any guy projected to go at 27. I think there's quality depth later based on what we need (DPR) and we do have legit needs now and a yr from now elsewhere.

We had Bourne and Robinson as our WRs last year and still finished top 5 in offense.

And scored a TOTAL of 9 points in two games vs SEA at the end of the year amd got smoked.

IDGAF about where we finished in offensive rankings as it means sh** when we can't score more than three FGs vs our arch enemy in two games in front of the entire world in prime time.

Get Brock more weapons so he can cook and be the player we need him to be.

Originally posted by Hysterikal:
We had Bourne and Robinson as our WRs last year and still finished top 5 in offense.

And couldn't do s**t vs a stud D like Seattle. Like I said one Evans pulled hammy from a bunch of nothing.

Originally posted by adrianlesnar:

Originally posted by NYniner85:
Drake Jackson, while I was never a fan of the pick spent the majority of his time here hurt. Like damn near all of our guys.

For me this isn't a debate on if Lawerence sucks or not it's him vs the field and the draft value. IMO we can find a DPR that can get you that 6-8 sacks a yr (not sure where the number 8 came from to determine worth). It someone like heights/mason/Barham can get me say 6 sacks a yr and they cost me a day 2/3 pick vs Lawrence and his 8 sacks for pick 27, I'm inclined to go for the day 2/3 pick and grab a position of need elsewhere at 27 (or possibly move down).

Like I said I've always been draft EDGE above just about everything else. I think every draft is different though and this one has guys that I think can serve a purpose as that DPR only guy.

Like others said this DPR we get isn't getting on the field for 3 downs. Yes you want a rotation, but their snaps will be limited to rushing more than anything else.

You brought up the number 8 you mentioned you felt there was a handful of players we could add to our DL (if healthy) that could get us 8+ sacks.

I think disagreement about the combines involvement aside, we just disagree about Malachi as a talent. DPR year 1 sure, maybe even 2. But I think hes a 3 down player capable of potentially anchoring the defense once Bosa slows down or leaves.

I should probably mention, Ive also been advocating to draft both Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham since early February-ish, precombine. Not sure how many others would be happy to see us draft 2 edge rushers, tho id envision Barham playing offball and then coming down for our 52 fronts.

I also would draft a 3rd edge next year when Anto Saka comes out im pass rusher obsessed.

In an ideal world:
Trade 1.27 for 2, 3, 4
2 Malachi Lawrence, EDGE
2 Jaishawn Barham, LB/EDGE
3 Oscar Delp, TE
4 Antonio Williams, WR
4 DeMonte Capehart, DT
4 Beau Stephens, LG
4 VJ Payne, S
4 Jude Bowry, OT

2027
1 Koi Perich, S
2 Charles Jagusah, OL
3 Anto Saka, EDGE
4 Ian Strong, WR

Any draft with Delp and im going to like it at least a little bit lol. He is George Kittle but even faster. We gotta get him.

That draft would be GREAT just sub in Kendrick Law over Williams in the 4th as Williams will be long gone. Plus I like Law even better as another draft crush along with Delp. I like that idea of doubling up on EDGE.

Originally posted by adrianlesnar:

Originally posted by NYniner85:
Drake Jackson, while I was never a fan of the pick spent the majority of his time here hurt. Like damn near all of our guys.

For me this isn't a debate on if Lawerence sucks or not it's him vs the field and the draft value. IMO we can find a DPR that can get you that 6-8 sacks a yr (not sure where the number 8 came from to determine worth). It someone like heights/mason/Barham can get me say 6 sacks a yr and they cost me a day 2/3 pick vs Lawrence and his 8 sacks for pick 27, I'm inclined to go for the day 2/3 pick and grab a position of need elsewhere at 27 (or possibly move down).

Like I said I've always been draft EDGE above just about everything else. I think every draft is different though and this one has guys that I think can serve a purpose as that DPR only guy.

Like others said this DPR we get isn't getting on the field for 3 downs. Yes you want a rotation, but their snaps will be limited to rushing more than anything else.

You brought up the number 8 you mentioned you felt there was a handful of players we could add to our DL (if healthy) that could get us 8+ sacks.

I think disagreement about the combines involvement aside, we just disagree about Malachi as a talent. DPR year 1 sure, maybe even 2. But I think hes a 3 down player capable of potentially anchoring the defense once Bosa slows down or leaves.

I should probably mention, Ive also been advocating to draft both Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham since early February-ish, precombine. Not sure how many others would be happy to see us draft 2 edge rushers, tho id envision Barham playing offball and then coming down for our 52 fronts.

I also would draft a 3rd edge next year when Anto Saka comes out im pass rusher obsessed.

In an ideal world:
Trade 1.27 for 2, 3, 4
2 Malachi Lawrence, EDGE
2 Jaishawn Barham, LB/EDGE
3 Oscar Delp, TE
4 Antonio Williams, WR
4 DeMonte Capehart, DT
4 Beau Stephens, LG
4 VJ Payne, S
4 Jude Bowry, OT

2027
1 Koi Perich, S
2 Charles Jagusah, OL
3 Anto Saka, EDGE
4 Ian Strong, WR

For me to get excited about the pick (Lawerence) it would have to be a trade down scenario. I wouldn't be mad at that haul (like Delp and Payne). I do think WR is a bigger need than some folks want to admit.

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by Hysterikal:
We had Bourne and Robinson as our WRs last year and still finished top 5 in offense.

And couldn't do s**t vs a stud D like Seattle. Like I said one Evans pulled hammy from a bunch of nothing.

Rams still lost to the Seahawks with 2 stud WRs. Nachewa vastly better than any WR we are going to be trotting out there.

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by Hysterikal:
We had Bourne and Robinson as our WRs last year and still finished top 5 in offense.

And couldn't do s**t vs a stud D like Seattle. Like I said one Evans pulled hammy from a bunch of nothing.

Yeah last year we had no one at WR w the injuries. Could also say if Pearsall gets hurt all we have is an older Mike Evans and a bunch of nothing. We need someone who can challenge Witherspoon and match his talent and give him trouble.

WR is still a way bigger need than people have been recently saying.

Zero issues going WR at #27 dont care if it's Cooper, KC, or even Boston. Although not running a 40 still really bothers me and makes skeptical. Guys who run fast run the 40. And for his size a 4.55 or better and that would be great and perfectly fine. Not running means he is a 4.6 guy and doesnt want anyone to know. Still like him as a player though has great hands scores TDs tall etc.

Also Cooper Jr and KC I think are clear BPA over Lawrence and some of the EDGEs of we are talking about value.

So many different directions we could go at #27. Hope we get a great player.