Will the 49ers fortify their trenches or groom a playmaker? Analysts diverge on whether the draft will bring defensive dominance or offensive reinforcements.
It’s officially mock draft season, and the San Francisco 49ers are once again a popular projection target.
With the No. 27 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, San Francisco finds itself in a fascinating spot. The roster is still built to compete, but looming contract questions, aging veterans and recent injuries have draft analysts split on what general manager John Lynch might prioritize.
Here’s a look at what national experts are projecting for the 49ers in Round 1:
NFL.com: Chad Reuter
Keldric Faulk – EDGE, Auburn
Reuter has San Francisco doubling down on the edge position. Even after investing heavily in the defensive front in recent years, the logic is you can never have too many pass rushers. With depth pieces potentially headed elsewhere and health questions lingering along the defensive line, Faulk’s size and length could provide rotational juice opposite Nick Bosa.
NFL.com: Daniel Jeremiah
Lee Hunter – DT, Texas Tech
Jeremiah takes the “build from the trenches” approach. Hunter is viewed as a stout interior presence who can anchor against the run while offering developmental upside as a pass rusher. The recent Super Bowl formula of relentless defensive line waves makes this projection feel on-brand for a 49ers defense that prides itself on physicality.
NFL.com: Bucky Brooks
Caleb Lomu – OT, Utah
Brooks pivots to the offensive line, projecting a long-term successor to Trent Williams. With Williams nearing 38 and contract uncertainty swirling, Lomu’s athletic profile could give San Francisco a developmental option at left tackle without forcing an immediate transition.
ESPN: Mel Kiper Jr.
Kadyn Proctor – OT, Alabama
Kiper leans into upside. Proctor’s tape reportedly shows flashes of dominance mixed with inconsistency, but learning behind Williams in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system could be an ideal scenario. The idea is to draft the traits now, refine them later.
FOX Sports: Henry McKenna
Blake Miller – OT, Clemson
McKenna also connects the dots between Williams’ contract tension and the need for protection on the blind side. If the front office senses instability at left tackle, Round 1 insurance would make sense.
CBS Sports: Garrett Podell
Monroe Freeling – OT, Georgia
Another tackle projection reinforces the theme: the league expects San Francisco to think about life after Williams. Freeling’s size and run-blocking ability fit the 49ers’ offensive identity.
Pro Football Focus: Max Chadwick
KC Concepcion – WR, Texas A&M
Chadwick goes in a different direction, projecting a dynamic receiver to prepare for the split with Brandon Aiyuk. In Shanahan’s offense, yards-after-catch ability is king, and Concepcion would check that box.
The common theme? Trenches or transition planning.
Whether it’s fortifying the defensive line, securing the future at left tackle, or reshaping the wide receiver room, the 49ers’ first-round decision will reveal how they view both their immediate window and their next era.