After months of breakdowns, highlight packages, and pinpointing prospects for the best potential team fits from pundits, commentators, and experts galore, the 2026 NFL Draft is finally upon us. And while top players such as Fernando Mendoza, David Bailey, and Jeremiyah Love are entrenched as top five selections, the beauty of each draft is the chaos and unpredictability it provides. Personnel strategies are put on full display, while the media praises and second-guesses all decisions.

In terms of the San Francisco 49ers, despite an impressive free agency resume thus far, the deficiencies on the roster are noted at offensive line, edge rusher, secondary, and wide receiver. Whether it's drafting a position of need or going with the best player available, the 49ers are set to draft reinforcements to improve or strengthen the overall core.


Despite all the posted mock drafts, every draft secures a surprise in some capacity, like when a talented player gets drafted unexpectedly late (Shedeur Sanders last season, anyone?).

Here are five prospects the 49ers could draft (presuming they drop):

OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama


Trent Williams re-signed this week, but the depth behind him is minimal, unless the 49ers have plans for Vederian Lowe beyond this year. There are some durability issues with Kadyn Proctor, but the run and pass blocking, measurables, football smarts, and interior movements off the snap are all high-quality.

Max Iheanachor and Caleb Lomu are the tackles likely slated to be available at pick 27, but should Proctor be available, tackle depth and a likely future starter would be fulfilled if selected.

WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M


The 49ers' wide receiver room is now relevant with the signings of Mike Evans and Christian Kirk. KC Concepcion is slight, with a lean frame and not the most trusting hands when catching passes, but the route running, separation, versatility, and playmaking ability (25 touchdowns in college) all stand out.


A slot target to add and compete with Ricky Pearsall while also replacing Jauan Jennings would be a smart addition, presuming standouts Makai Lemon and Omar Cooper Jr. are off the board.

S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo


The 49ers have drafted and started Ji'Ayir Brown and Malik Mustapha at safety over the last three years. While both have sporadically flashed, the overall statistical production has not been overwhelming. If he drops, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would provide ball-hawk type ability evident from his strong run support and ball strips (nine forced fumbles in three seasons).

He can be vulnerable in coverage against receivers with elite speed, but the size, athleticism, and physicality are all impressive. He should be the third safety off the board behind Caleb Downs and Dillon Theinman.

Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami


The injuries to Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams were devastating enough on the pass rush, leading the 49ers to accumulate only 20 sacks in 2025, the fewest in the league. The surprising retirement of Bryce Huff confirms the need for multiple pass rushers in this draft.

There are injury concerns, but Akheem Mesidor has a high motor, experience, and very good production (12.5 sacks). Most mocks have him going in the high teens, but if he falls, the 49ers should take notice.


Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn


The pinnacle of Keldric Faulk's college career was his sophomore season, in which he totaled 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks. The production last season was underwhelming. Faulk is not refined in his pass-rushing techniques and mainly relies on strength and instincts to make impactful defensive plays. He sets the edge and shoots gaps effectively as a supreme run defender.

At 6'6" and 275-plus pounds, Faulk is a freak athlete with versatility, good instincts, and tremendous upside once his pass-rushing capabilities become more consistent.

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