The 49ers lost several key contributors this offseason, including trading away wide receiver Deebo Samuel and parting ways with defensive linemen Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Leonard Floyd. They made minimal moves in free agency to offset those losses.
Instead, the team focused on building through the draft, aiming to limit future spending in anticipation of quarterback Brock Purdy's looming mega-extension.
"Overall, the 49ers appeared to get worse this offseason," Sikkema wrote. "Getting Robert Saleh back as defensive coordinator could be a big positive, as he had success in that position with this very regime. But outside of that, the team lost Dre Greenlaw, Deebo Samuel and Talanoa Hufanga and didn't meaningfully address their offensive line."
Many expected San Francisco to prioritize offensive line help early in the draft, potentially selecting a tackle with a top pick. However, the 49ers didn't select an offensive lineman—projected guard Connor Colby—until the seventh round. Their first five picks were used to bolster the defense.
"San Francisco's draft was heavily focused on improving in run defense, which was needed after they finished 2025 with a 54.6 team PFF grade in that facet," Sikkema added. "The 49ers' floor might be higher, but their ceiling seems lower."
The 49ers received a "D" grade from Sikkema, among the three lowest in the league. Only the Houston Texans (also "D") and the New Orleans Saints ("D-") received similar or worse marks.
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