The 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner with free agency behind us, and the 49ers have a couple of different directions they could go with their first-round pick.
NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco recently shared his selection for San Francisco at No. 27 overall in his third mock draft of the offseason — but who do other writers and experts around the country believe will land in the Bay?
We’ve rounded up mock drafts from across the web below to find out just that. All will be revealed come April 23, but for now, take a look at the predictions below:
“The 49ers like taking wide receivers and defensive linemen in the first round and — would you look at that! — those are among their biggest needs this year. We have the team going with Akheem Mesidor, a powerfully built edge rusher who had 12.5 sacks and 17 .5 tackles for loss last season and made his biggest marks against top-end talent in the playoffs. Indiana receiver Omar Cooper Jr. was oh-so-tempting at this spot, and it’s entirely possible Kyle Shanahan would be unable to resist snagging him here (the 49ers will host Cooper on a visit next month). The rationale, however, is that there will be more enticing wideouts — Germie Bernard? Ted Hurst? Elijah Sarratt? — than edge rushers available when San Francisco’s on the clock again late in Round 2.” – Matt Barrows
“You probably see an offensive tackle to San Francisco and think “Trent Williams heir apparent.” But Miller actually played 97% of his college snaps on the right side. Perhaps he’d transition to left tackle if the Niners can’t figure out Williams’ contract situation, but I like Miller as an upgrade over Colton McKivitz on the right side regardless of what happens there. The 6-7, 317-pound Miller would bring consistency and reliability to this O-line. (San Francisco also signed Vederian Lowe as some insurance at left tackle.)” – Mel Kiper Jr.
“Trent Williams’ contract renegotiations are in flux, but even if he returns for another season, the 49ers must prepare for the 37-year-old’s eventual departure. Lomu’s still growing as a run blocker, but his natural pass-protection skills are first-round worthy.” – Chad Reuter
“Trent Williams is getting up in the years and wants a new contract. It’s time to start looking for a replacement.” – Pete Prisco
“This is a great example of how fit matters. I have Freeling as the top left tackle in this year’s draft, but he might be a reach to pick in the top 10, which is where I had him going in my most recent mock draft. However, Freeling being selected at No. 27 would be more appropriate and the 49ers can start to prepare for the longterm outlook of their offensive line. He can take over that left tackle spot at some point for the 49ers.” – Joel Klatt
“At 6-foot-5 and 276 pounds with 34-inch arms, Faulk is too big and too good a run defender to fall much further in this draft. He can help anchor against the double teams from the Rams’ duo-heavy scheme, too.
“Faulk posted an 85.5 PFF run-defense grade in 2025, with 20 run stops and a 1.3-yard average depth of tackle. The 49ers will hope he can eventually develop into a more productive pass rusher, given his size, length and athleticism.” – Jordan Plocher
“The 49ers are using one of their 30 pre-draft visits on Concepcion, so it is clear that they are gathering information and want to know more in the case that they draft him. Concepcion is great with the ball in his hands, which the 49ers love, and he can help get the wide receiver room much younger.” – Parker Hurley
No analysis provided.