Another week brings a fresh batch of 2026 NFL mock drafts. Which positions are analysts projecting the San Francisco 49ers to address? Here's a look at a larger-than-usual roundup of the latest projections.
ESPN's Matt Miller released 7-round mock draft
ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller unveiled a full seven-round mock draft—an impressive undertaking—complete with analysis for each pick within the first three rounds.
The 49ers currently hold just two picks in the first three rounds. At No. 27 overall, Miller projects San Francisco to select former Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, a name increasingly linked to the team.
"I feel like I predict that the 49ers will draft their offensive tackle of the future every year, yet they never do," Miller wrote. "Considering that All-Pro Trent Williams will be 38 and is in the midst of a contract impasse, this would be a good time for San Francisco to finally make that pick.
"Lomu started at left tackle during the past two seasons, allowing only three sacks (all in 2024). He plays with the agility and balance needed for the 49ers' offensive scheme."
In the second round (No. 58 overall), Miller has the 49ers selecting former Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas.
"The 49ers had the fewest sacks of any team in the NFL last season and have edge starters Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams rehabbing from torn ACLs," Miller wrote. "They need depth. Jacas has great power, despite limited twitch, and a well-developed pass-rush plan."
San Francisco owns four additional picks—all in the fourth round. Here's how Miller projects those selections playing out:
- Round 4, Pick 127: C Logan Jones, Iowa
- Round 4, Pick 133: CB Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin
- Round 4, Pick 138: LB Deontae Lawson, Alabama
- Round 4, Pick 139: DT Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
Sports Illustrated projects pass rush help in Round 1
While Miller addressed the offensive line, Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo has the 49ers going defense in the first round, selecting former Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker.
"The San Francisco 49ers lost Saleh as their defensive coordinator," Melo explained. "Raheem Morris is a great replacement, but the pass rush needs addressing after an undermanned unit notched a league-low 20 sacks this past season. Hopefully, Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams will be healthy in 2026.
"The 49ers add insurance via Clemson's T.J. Parker. Parker is a high-floor prospect who sets hard edges in the run game with a high motor, and there's more pass-rushing potential to explore."
Kadyn Proctor linked to 49ers at No. 27
Ryan Moran released a three-round mock draft for Pro Football & Sports Network, and has San Francisco adding former Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor in the first round.
"The San Francisco 49ers look to the future with this pick," Moran wrote. "Trent Williams currently has a contract dispute that is up in the air, and is getting close to the end of his career anyway.
"Alabama's Kadyn Proctor could come in and either play for the 49ers right away or benefit from learning from Williams this year. Proctor has a massive frame and is hard to beat with power. He is a forceful presence with the potential to develop into a high-end starting left tackle."
Like Miller, Moran projects the 49ers to address the pass rush in Round 2 with the selection of Gabe Jacas.
"Gabe Jacas is a talented edge rusher with speed," Moran wrote. "He has the arm length that the 49ers usually covet at defensive end.
"Jacas posted a personal-best 11 sacks in 2025. He recorded 27 sacks over the course of his four years at Illinois. The 49ers could use an edge pass rusher opposite Nick Bosa, and Jacas could be that answer for them."
Another vote for Caleb Lomu
I told you Lomu was becoming a popular first-round prediction for the 49ers. CBS Sports analyst Ryan Wilson also mocked the Utah tackle to the 49ers at No. 27.
Wilson believes Lomu has the potential to become one of the NFL's best offensive linemen, making him an ideal successor to Williams.
"We might look back in a few years, and Lomu is the best tackle in the class," Wilson wrote. "In San Francisco, he'll be ready to step in for Trent Williams when he eventually moves on."
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