The 49ers hold the second overall selection and numerous mock drafts have had the team selecting a quarterback with that top pick. A lot of that is because those mocks have pass rusher Myles Garrett of Texas A&M, considered to be the best player in the draft, going to the Cleveland Browns with the top pick.
Reuter sees the Browns going in a different direction. He has Cleveland selecting Deshaun Watson, the quarterback of the national champion Clemson Tigers.
That leaves the 49ers to pick Garrett with their top selection. "The 49ers get a difference-making pass rusher," writes Reuter.
In the second round, Reuter has the 49ers selecting Christian McCaffrey. The star running back from Stanford made headlines in December when he announced that he would not play in the Sun Bowl against North Carolina in order to prepare for the NFL Draft, a decision McCaffrey's teammates reportedly supported.
"His teammates have his back, they completely understand," Stanford coach David Shaw told CBS Sports' Allie LaForce. "They know that he's going to be pacing and watching this game, and going crazy rooting for his guys to win."
In the third round, Reuter has the 49ers finally addressing what many people consider to be the team's top need – the quarterback position. He projects the team selecting Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya. The junior became Miami's all-time leader in passing yards (9,968), completions (720), and attempts (1,188). Kaaya started 38 games during his three-year career with the Hurricanes.
Chad Reuter's Mock
Round 1, Pick 2 (2): Myles Garrett, OLB, Texas A&M
Round 2, Pick 2 (34): Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
Round 3, Pick 2 (66): Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers named trade fits for two receivers and veteran pass rusher
The San Francisco 49ers brought back former second-round draft pick Dante Pettis this week, but the veteran wide receiver isn't expected to strengthen the position significantly. The Dallas Cowboys just traded for Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., so it's... -
49ers' George Kittle proves he's all the way back—and then some—with record-breaking touchdown
George Kittle's highlight touchdown against the Denver Broncos on Sunday was significant in more ways than just being the play that put the 49ers over the top in their gutty 24-14 win at Levi's Stadium. It further cemented him atop the 49ers' record book, while also showing he... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan isn't getting caught up in excitement after 4-0 start
The San Francisco 49ers' 4-0 start to the 2026 NFL season has generated excitement among the fanbase. The team has a chance to extend its winning streak on Sunday, but it faces a tough test against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Head coach... -
49ers' John Lynch on chances Mike Evans plays vs. Broncos, Nick Bosa and Trent Williams updates
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans is working through a rib injury he suffered Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. There is no guarantee that he will be healthy enough to suit up for this weekend's contest against the Denver Broncos, but the 49ers are hopeful. It...