The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2026 NFL Draft with just six selections and multiple roster needs to address. With no clear consensus around what the team might do with the No. 27 overall pick, its first-round direction remains uncertain.

After prioritizing defense early in last year's draft—using their first five picks on that side of the ball—ESPN's Ben Solak believes the 49ers should continue building on that foundation. His recommendation: lean into the defensive reload with either a dynamic pass rusher or a starting-caliber safety.


If San Francisco opts to go offense in Round 1, Solak advises targeting the trenches over adding another pass catcher.

"Don't chase the flashy receiver when the meat-and-potatoes offensive lineman is there," Solak wrote.

With that philosophy in mind, Solak outlined several potential draft targets for the 49ers across key positions.

Pass rusher options for the 49ers


"The Niners still need another speedy outside rusher, as they're currently loaded with big-bodied tweeners on the edge," Solak wrote.

At No. 27, UCF's Malachi Lawrence and Texas A&M's Cashius Howell emerge as potential fits. However, Solak notes that new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris may prefer a more versatile defender who can drop into coverage.


"Jaishawn Barham (Michigan) is the name to circle at No. 58," he added.

Safety options for the 49ers


Ji'Ayir Brown is entering the final year of his rookie contract, while Malik Mustapha's physical style raises durability concerns over the long term.

Because of that, Solak doesn't rule out a first-round investment at safety.

"In a dream scenario, one of Dillon Thieneman (Oregon) or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo) makes it all the way down to No. 27, but that's unlikely," he wrote. "Instead, Treydan Stukes (Arizona) or Zakee Wheatley (Penn State) might be the targets later."

Offensive line options for the 49ers


Many mock drafts project the 49ers to target an offensive tackle in the first round, and Solak agrees that the draft depth at the position works in their favor. How the team approaches left tackle could also signal expectations regarding Trent Williams' contract situation.


"It's a deep class," Solak noted. "The end of the first round is rich with lingering tackle options (Caleb Lomu from Utah, Max Iheanachor from Arizona State) and rising guards who could fill that struggling left guard spot (Keylan Rutledge from Georgia Tech, Chase Bisontis from Texas A&M)."

Wide receiver option for the 49ers


San Francisco's wide receiver room has undergone significant turnover this offseason. Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, and Skyy Moore are gone, and Brandon Aiyuk will soon follow. The team did add veteran help with the signings of Mike Evans and Christian Kirk.

The 49ers also invested a first-round pick in Ricky Pearsall two years ago. While he has flashed potential, injuries have limited his availability.

If the 49ers go against Solak's recommendation and target a wide receiver early, there will be viable options. However, he suggests waiting until the middle rounds to add a developmental prospect rather than forcing a first-round selection.

"The 49ers should again look for a middle-round developmental type as they have done often in recent drafts (Jordan Watkins, Jacob Cowing, Danny Gray)," Solak wrote. "They should just actually ... hit on one. Chris Bell (Louisville) feels like a 49ers type."

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