With secondary needs looming, the 49ers eye elite safeties at No. 27. Discover three game-changing prospects who could redefine their defensive backfield.
While the San Francisco 49ers’ free agency splash focused heavily on high profile wideouts and interior defensive line depth, the back end of the secondary remains a significant question mark. With Jason Pinnock departing for the Giants and a young trio of Ji’Ayir Brown, Malik Mustapha, and Marques Sigle lacking a proven veteran anchor, the No. 27 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft could very well be used on a centerpiece safety.
Under new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, the Niners are expected to maintain their split safety foundations while perhaps leaning into more aggressive, versatile looks. If Lynch and Shanahan decide the secondary is the priority, these are the three best options likely to be available.
Dillon Thieneman (Oregon)
The Elite Coverage Anchor
If the 49ers are looking for a true "eraser" in the post, Thieneman is the gold standard of this class. After a stellar career at Purdue and a highly impactful graduate year at Oregon, he has cemented himself as a first round lock.
- The Stats: Thieneman is a turnover machine, entering the draft with 8 career interceptions and over 300 tackles. His 2025 season in the Big Ten landscape showed he can handle elite speed.
- The Fit: At 6'0" and 201 lbs with 4.35 speed, Thieneman has the range to play single high, allowing the 49ers to be more creative with their nickel packages. His ability to diagnose plays from depth is reminiscent of a young Jimmie Ward, but with more natural ball hawk instincts. If he's there at 27, his coverage ceiling makes him a primary target.
A.J. Haulcy (LSU)
The Pro-Ready Enforcer
For a team that plays in the physical NFC West, Haulcy (affectionately known as "Mr. Give Me That") is a dream fit. He is a "throwback" safety who pairs a densely muscled frame with an incredibly high football IQ.
- The Stats: A consistent producer across his time at Houston and LSU, Haulcy is a specialist who recorded multiple seasons with 90+ tackles and high tier PFF run defense grades.
- The Fit: Haulcy is at his best when he can play with his eyes on the quarterback. While he may lack Thieneman’s elite top-end speed, his pattern recognition is second to none in this class. He would thrive in the 49ers’ zone heavy schemes, acting as a secondary "linebacker" in the run game while providing a physical presence over the middle that wide receivers fear.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo)
The High-Value Riser
McNeil-Warren is the "Quinyon Mitchell" of the 2026 safety class, a small school star whose physical traits are so overwhelming that his Power 4 pedigree doesn't matter. He has been one of the fastest risers on draft boards this spring.
- The Stats: He clocked a 4.52 40-yard dash at the Combine and showcased elite explosion with a 10'2" broad jump. His tape is defined by "tone setting" hits and sideline to sideline range.
- The Fit: Standing 6'2" with superior length, he is a hybrid who can play in the box or deep half. For a 49ers team that values versatility, McNeil-Warren’s ability to destroy ball carriers while maintaining coverage discipline makes him a high floor, high ceiling option at the end of Round 1.
The Verdict
The decision at No. 27 will likely be a choice of "flavor." If the 49ers want to prioritize deep field security and takeaways, Thieneman is the logical choice. If they want to add an intimidating physical presence to help a linebacker corps that has struggled with health, Haulcy is the man.
However, if John Lynch falls in love with raw athletic traits and the ability to play multiple roles in the secondary, McNeil-Warren is the dark horse who could end up being the best safety in this entire class.