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San Francisco 49ers 2026 NFL Draft Preview

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Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; The San Francisco 49ers logo is projected on the video board during the NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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The San Francisco 49ers exceeded expectations in 2025, winning 13 games despite numerous injuries in what was initially seen as a “reset” season. They defeated the Eagles in the Wild Card round, but were then thoroughly dismantled by their NFC West rivals, the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. 

The 49ers traded their 2026 third-round pick to acquire Osa Odighizuwa from the Dallas Cowboys. General Manager John Lynch was comfortable parting with the selection, largely because the team holds four fourth-round picks—three of which are compensatory. As a result, all six of San Francisco’s draft picks still fall within the top 140 selections, maintaining strong overall draft value. 

49ers Draft Picks:

  • Round 1: Pick 27 
  • Round 2: Pick 58 
  • Round 4: Pick 127
  • Round 4: Pick 133
  • Round 4: Pick 138
  • Round 4: Pick 139

49ers Positions of Need:

The 49ers front office has been active thus far in free agency, filling two of the team’s biggest needs in wide receiver (Mike Evans via FA) and defensive tackle (Odighizuwa via trade). The team has also supplemented some positions requiring depth, such as at linebacker (Dre Greenlaw via FA) and cornerback (Nate Hobbs via FA). However, John Lynch will look for a much needed insurgence of youth into key positions.

  • OT 
  • IOL 
  • EDGE 
  • DB 

Key Draft Targets for 49ers:

Caleb Lomu – OT – Utah 

The 49ers have not selected a first-round offensive lineman since Mike McGlinchey in 2018. Now, eight years later, the team must address this position immediately in the draft. All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams will be 38 at the start of next season and is currently re-negotiating his contract with the team. Lomu is one of the best left tackles in the draft, and the 49ers need to pounce if he is available at pick No. 27. 

Derrick Moore – EDGE – Michigan

The 49ers finished dead last in the NFL with 20 sacks in the 2025 season. Derrick Moore, a productive pass rusher out of Michigan, could be the perfect fit for the 49ers. As a senior, Moore finished top 15 in the country in sacks with 10. The addition of Odighizuwa and getting Nick Bosa back from injury will instantly improve the pass rush, and adding Moore to the mix is a recipe for pass rush success. NFL Mock Draft Database has Moore ranked 58th overall, which is exactly where San Francisco’s second-round selection is.

Kage Casey – IOL – Boise State 

The 49ers signed offensive lineman Brett Toth in free agency to compete with Ben Bartch for the starting left guard position. However, the team lost swing offensive lineman Spencer Buford to the Raiders and still requires depth and a long-term solution at guard. Casey can be that depth and foster further competition for the starting left guard job. The 49ers would be wise to select him with any of their trove of fourth-round picks. 

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