49ers Bolster Defensive Line with Massive Tackle in Latest Mock Draft

NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah projects San Francisco to select Texas Tech's Lee Hunter with 27th overall pick.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 8:39pm by Ben Kaplan

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In his latest 2026 NFL mock draft, NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah has the San Francisco 49ers selecting massive Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter with the 27th overall pick. Jeremiah believes Hunter can provide an immediate boost to the 49ers' defensive line rotation, joining 2025 draft picks Alfred Collins and CJ West to form a talented young trio on the interior.

Why it matters

The 49ers have made a concerted effort to get bigger and more physical on the defensive line, and the selection of Hunter would continue that trend. With questions still surrounding the long-term development of 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams, adding another high-upside defensive tackle prospect like Hunter could solidify San Francisco's interior defensive line for years to come.

The details

Hunter, who measured in at 6'3" and 320 pounds at the Senior Bowl, is known for his ability to hold the point of attack against the run. While his sack production was modest in college, he finished the 2025 season with 26 pressures, suggesting he has untapped potential as a pass rusher. Jeremiah believes Hunter can join 2025 picks Collins and West to form a talented young trio on the 49ers' interior defensive line.

  • The 49ers selected Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and CJ West in the 2025 NFL Draft to bolster their defensive line.
  • In the 2026 NFL Draft, the 49ers hold the 27th overall pick in the first round.

The players

Lee Hunter

A defensive tackle prospect from Texas Tech who measured in at 6'3" and 320 pounds at the Senior Bowl, with the size and strength to hold up against the run.

Mykel Williams

The 49ers' 2025 first-round pick, an edge rusher who missed the second half of the season with a torn ACL.

Alfred Collins

A defensive tackle selected by the 49ers in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

CJ West

A defensive tackle picked by the 49ers in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Hunter can hold the point against the run and he showed flashes of his upside as a pass rusher at the Senior Bowl. Recent Super Bowl winners have featured waves of defensive linemen they can rotate. Hunter joins 2025 draft picks Alfred Collins and CJ West to form a talented young trio on the interior.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Media Draft Expert

What’s next

The 49ers will have the opportunity to select Lee Hunter with the 27th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

By adding another high-upside defensive tackle prospect like Lee Hunter to join their 2025 draft picks, the 49ers are continuing to build a deep and talented interior defensive line that can rotate fresh bodies and wear down opposing offenses.