Despite those defensive shortcomings, Pro Football and Sports Network's Jacob Infante doesn't have the 49ers addressing that side of the ball early in his latest three-round mock draft. Instead, he projects head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch strengthening an offense that currently ranks No. 11 in the NFL.
With the No. 24 overall pick, Infante predicts San Francisco will finally prioritize a position group many fans believe has been ignored for too long—the offensive line. He has the 49ers selecting Texas offensive tackle Trevor Goosby, a potential long-term successor to future Hall of Famer Trent Williams.
"Trent Williams is still playing at an All-Pro level, ranking fifth among all offensive tackles in the NFL with an 87.8 OL Impact grade," Infante wrote. "He turns 38 next July, however, so the San Francisco 49ers will eventually need to plan for his successor.
"In his first season as a full-time starter, Trevor Goosby displayed that he was worthy of the breakout buzz he got heading into 2025. He's an elite athlete at offensive tackle with ideal length and coordination in pass protection, giving him a high ceiling to work with in the pros."
Moving onto the second round, Infante has the 49ers selecting USC wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane, an addition that would help offset the potential departure of veteran receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
"Ja'Kobi Lane has been more of a complementary weapon than a true WR1 for USC, but he's a 6'4″ receiver with tremendous ball skills and better athleticism than most his size," Infante wrote. "His physicality and coordination would make him a strong 'X' receiver for a 49ers offense that could use another reliable weapon."
Infante finally turns to the defense with the next pick, predicting the selection of Penn State defensive tackle Zane Durant.
"Though he's a bit undersized by NFL defensive tackle standards, Zane Durant makes up for it with how explosive he shoots off the snap," Infante wrote. "His low center of gravity and agility gives him serious pass-rushing value along the interior."
Nobody's perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article? Report it.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers bolster interior D-line in new 2026 NFL mock draft
Josh Edwards has released his newest 2026 NFL mock draft for CBS Sports, projecting the San Francisco 49ers to strengthen a major area of need—the interior of their defensive line. Despite significant investments in the position group this year, Edwards has head coach Kyle... -
49ers overlook size concerns, add skilled receiver in The Athletic's 2026 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers could be in the market for a first-round wide receiver when the 2026 NFL Draft arrives. Brandon Aiyuk's future remains uncertain, and many around the league believe the veteran wideout has likely played his final snap for the 49ers—even after signing a... -
2026 mock draft: 49ers target 6-4 receiver with 'massive catch radius'
With speculation growing that the relationship between the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk may be nearing its end, early 2026 mock drafts are beginning to focus on potential replacements for the former first-round pick. Aiyuk is still recovering from the... -
49ers' John Lynch addresses futures of Brandon Aiyuk and Mac Jones
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch joined The TK Show with Tim Kawakami and discussed the futures of two key players—Brandon Aiyuk and Mac Jones. Recent reporting revealed that the 49ers voided Aiyuk's guaranteed money for 2026, a move many viewed as signaling an...