A couple of new 2026 NFL mock drafts have arrived, and projecting the San Francisco 49ers' first-round pick remains far from straightforward. Slated to select at No. 27 overall, general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have multiple directions to consider, with needs spanning both sides of the ball.

In his latest mock for CBS Sports, Pete Prisco has the 49ers addressing the offensive line—specifically, offensive tackle. The projection comes as uncertainty continues to surround Trent Williams' future in San Francisco. The two sides remain in a contract stalemate, with a recent report from Jason La Canfora noting they "aren't anywhere close to a deal yet."


Even if a resolution is reached, the 49ers must begin planning for a long-term successor at left tackle. Prisco has San Francisco selecting former Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling in the first round.

"Trent Williams is getting up in the years and wants a new contract. It's time to start looking for a replacement," Prisco wrote.

49ers address multiple needs in three-round mock


Meanwhile, Alec Elijah of Pro Football & Sports Network also has the 49ers focusing on the offensive side of the ball—but with a different approach. In his three-round mock draft, Elijah projects San Francisco selecting former Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell to give quarterback Brock Purdy another playmaking weapon.

"If there's a coach built to unlock every layer of Chris Bell's game, it's Kyle Shanahan," Elijah wrote. "In San Francisco's offense, Bell projects as a true multipurpose weapon, someone who can line up across the formation and create mismatches with a rare blend of size and versatility at 6-foot-2.

Bell's 2025 season was cut short by an ACL injury, but he still posted career highs with 72 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns. Given the 49ers' recent injury concerns, it remains to be seen whether the team would invest an early pick in a player coming off a significant injury.


"For Shanahan and the 49ers, this is the kind of swing worth taking if they're serious about building a championship-caliber offense and making a real push for a Lombardi Trophy," Elijah added.

San Francisco holds just one additional pick within the first three rounds. Elijah has the 49ers using their second-round selection (No. 58 overall) on former Texas A&M offensive tackle Dametrious Crownover.

"One team keeping a close eye on several tackle prospects is the 49ers, as uncertainty still surrounds Trent Williams' long-term future in San Francisco," Elijah wrote. "With that in mind, targeting a player like Texas A&M's Dametrious Crownover could make a lot of sense.

"Crownover offers the size and physicality to potentially step into a key role down the line, giving the 49ers both insurance and a long-term option at a premium position."

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