San Francisco is coming off a 12-5 season and a playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, an impressive feat considering the injury challenges that defined much of the 2025 campaign.
With rookie classes now in place across the league, NFL.com analyst Eric Edholm released his first post-draft power rankings—and the 49ers landed at No. 6 overall. The teams ranked ahead of San Francisco are the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens.
Edholm also shared a mixed evaluation of the 49ers' 2026 draft class.
"I felt like their first three picks were reaches of varying degrees, although I often feel that way with the 49ers," Edholm wrote. "That's not a criticism; it's just the way it has been under John Lynch more often than not, and the Niners obviously have found ways to mostly remain successful.
"What I liked best was that they addressed areas of need, but my only question is whether they did so with the best options available. Kyle Shanahan admitted it would be tough for all eight picks to make the roster, but said that a few could start. I find that latter part a little hard to believe, assuming the 49ers are fully healthy coming into the season."
Health remains a key storyline for San Francisco. Defensive end Nick Bosa and 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams are both recovering from ACL injuries, creating uncertainty along the defensive front.
Offensively, the wide receiver room has undergone a significant overhaul. The 49ers parted ways with Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, and Skyy Moore, while adding veteran playmakers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk.
One of the more debated selections came in the third round, where the 49ers drafted running back Kaelon Black. The pick was widely viewed as a reach, but if Black can legitimately challenge Jordan James for the No. 2 role behind Christian McCaffrey, the decision could prove worthwhile.
"I could see their top four picks — WR De'Zhaun Stribling, edge Romello Height, RB Kaelon Black, and DT Gracen Halton — all contributing in some form in 2026, but how much?" Edhold added.
The NFC West is expected to be highly competitive once again. The only division team outside the top six in Edholm's rankings is the Arizona Cardinals, who came in at No. 32 overall.
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