San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch held his annual pre-draft press conference on Monday, offering insight into the team's strategy ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which kicks off on Thursday.

The 49ers enter the draft with needs across multiple positions but hold just six total selections—all within the first four rounds. That reality forces a balance between addressing roster holes and maximizing value, whether by trading up for a difference-maker or moving down to accumulate additional picks.


Lynch made it clear the 49ers are open to all possibilities. If a move materializes, the groundwork is likely already in place. According to the general manager, those conversations are happening earlier each year across the league.

"You try to stay malleable there, such that you can do anything," Lynch said. "So really, up until now, it does strike me, every year, I think these conversations, the inception of them, it moves forward. It used to feel like the day before the draft, you start having these conversations. Everybody's kind of moved up—there's more activity, and I think it lends towards that."

There is a clear incentive to move up. San Francisco could target an impact pass rusher or begin planning for the future at left tackle behind Trent Williams. However, Lynch suggested many of the top-tier prospects may be off the board before the 49ers' first selection at No. 27 overall.

Still, the general manager stressed confidence in the depth of the class, acknowledging that there is still talent to be had after that initial run on top-tier prospects. Teams like the 49ers simply (not so simple, in reality) have to identify those diamonds in the rough.

"I do believe that this is a draft [where] the top half of the first round probably runs out a little quicker in terms of what people deem true impact players," Lynch said. "Now, I believe there's a lot of impact beyond that.


"But I do think there's going to be a lot of movement this year. It just feels like it's setting up for a draft like that because it gets somewhat homogeneous after that, and then it's what's your flavor, what are you looking for? So, I do think that sets up for a draft where there will be a lot of movement."

So what will the 49ers ultimately do? While Lynch maintained anything is possible, their limited draft capital—one pick in each of the first two rounds and four in the fourth—could make trading down to add selections the more practical route.

"I'm not going to tip our hand, but we have done our homework," Lynch said. "We'll continue to talk to teams and have discussions, such that if we see fit, the opportunity to move up and grab a player that we really like, or we still like a bunch of players, so let's pick up.

"Now, I will tell you we don't have a ton of picks in this draft, so it does make some sense to [ask] how can we find some more picks? And we'll certainly be open to that."

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