A polarizing edge rusher with elite production surprisingly falls. Will the Niners secure him, or is their focus elsewhere?
Mock drafts are out in full force with around a week to go until the NFL draft. One draft could cause a stir among San Francisco 49ers fans.
The 49ers have been publicly known as a team that could go out and get a top pass rusher through trade. Even so, one mock draft presented the opportunity for the team go improve with the No. 27 pick, where top edge rushers generally don't fall. ESPN NFL analyst Mel Kiper Jr. had polarizing edge rusher Akheem Mesidor of Miami falling past the Niners pick. Here's what Kiper had to say of Mesidor being drafted by the New England Patriots at No. 31.
"Mesidor is supremely talented, with 12.5 sacks, 58 pressures and 11 run stops in 2025. But he's also 25 years old and has some injury history over his long six-year college career. If the Patriots are comfortable with the durability risk, they could absolutely use his production. Their 35 sacks tied for seventh fewest last season, and swapping in Dre'Mont Jones for K'Lavon Chaisson was the team's main change on the edge this offseason. Mesidor could quickly become a feared disruptor in the AFC East."
Whether or not a team is willing to draft Mesidor early despite his age is worth watching in the draft, but the Miami edge has the potential to make several teams regret passing on him in the first round. The polarizing prospect's production is undeniable, and it seems clear he's ready to make an NFL impact right away.
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesKiper instead has the Niners drafting Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with the following reasoning.
"The 49ers are still working toward a resolution with Trent Williams on his contract situation, but this pick works regardless of the outcome. The legendary left tackle is turning 38 during training camp this summer, meaning San Francisco has to think about the future no matter what. Iheanachor started 31 games in college, has long 33⅞-inch arms and is quick out of his set. But he's also relatively new to football, having never played before 2022. He could use a little time to develop before eventually becoming the guy."
It's more than possible Mesidor falls and perhaps even more likely that the Niners take Iheanachor with the No. 27 pick. Nevertheless, the move would be controversial if the team can add an elite pass rusher and opts against it.