Can the 49ers land an elite edge rusher? An insider reveals surprising prospects available in the draft's later rounds.
We are hours away from the NFL draft, and many are looking toward what the San Francisco 49ers will do with their first pick. The Niners did well to address their offensive tackle need re-signing two tackles including one of the NFL's best in Trent Williams. Now, the team can draft the best player available.
The best player at No. 27 might not be the impact player the team is hoping to add. Depending on how the draft falls, different scenarios may determine if the Niners like their pick or trade out of 27 for more picks in return.
Some are wondering if the team will be able to add an elite pass rusher. ESPN NFL insider Nick Wagoner discussed who the 49ers might add in the 2026 NFL draft.
"The top edge rushers -- Arvell Reese, David Bailey and Rueben Bain Jr. -- all figure to be long gone before the Niners pick. The same is likely true of Miami's Akheem Mesidor, though he figures to be more in range.
UCF's Malachi Lawrence might strike the sweet spot for the Niners where he could be available when they pick while also fitting the style of pass rusher they need. Lawrence, who took a predraft visit to the Bay Area, ranked in the top 30 of FBS in pressure rate (14.1%) in pressure rate last season, though Reid says Lawrence is more 'of an early Day 2 prospect.'
Texas A&M's Cashius Howell, Clemson's T.J. Parker, Illinois' Gabe Jacas and Missouri's Zion Young profile in similar ways as late first/early second round prospects who could be available. The Niners also reportedly had Michigan's Jaishawn Barham and Texas Tech's Romello Height in for visits as options beyond the first round."
Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Gabe Jacas (17) jumps on teammate Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Eli Coenen (96) after a sack on Western Illinois Leathernecks quarterback Chris Irvin. Ron Johnson-Imagn ImagesThe Niners do not have to get their pass rusher in the first round, but the later they wait to find one the less quality options they will have. Players like Zion Young and Oklahoma edge R. Mason Thomas figure to be available at No. 27, but Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor is an interesting prospect that may be worth following.
Mesidor is productive enough to command Top 20 pick attention, but his age, for an NFL draft prospect, poses some concern for teams. Mesidor is 25 years old.
Regardless of who is available at No. 27, the Niners appear to have a path to adding a quality edge rusher in more than the first round. We'll see if it comes to fruition when the draft kicks off in Pittsburgh on Thursday.