49ers Scouting Versatile Defensive Line Prospects Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

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The San Francisco 49ers have been doing extensive pre-draft scouting on defensive line prospects, including meeting with Virginia Tech's Kelvin Gilliam and Wisconsin's Darryl Peterson. These players aren't pure edge rushers, but offer versatility to play multiple spots on the defensive line, which aligns with the league's shift toward more 'positionless' defensive approaches.

Why it matters

The 49ers have long prioritized building a dominant defensive line, and their interest in these versatile prospects suggests they're looking to add depth and flexibility to that unit ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. As offenses continue to evolve, teams are valuing defensive linemen who can line up in multiple alignments and fill different roles.

The details

The 49ers met with Gilliam ahead of Virginia Tech's pro day, where he impressed with his athleticism and potential. Gilliam is a fifth-year senior who transferred from Oklahoma, where he had limited playing time, to Virginia Tech, where he became more productive. Similarly, the 49ers have met with Wisconsin's Darryl Peterson, another defensive lineman who isn't a pure edge rusher but offers the ability to kick inside. Both players fit the mold of the type of versatile defensive linemen the 49ers seem to be targeting in this draft.

• The 49ers met with Kelvin Gilliam ahead of Virginia Tech's pro day on March 28, 2026.
• The 49ers have also met with Wisconsin defensive lineman Darryl Peterson leading up to his pro day.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The 49ers will continue their pre-draft evaluation process, likely meeting with more defensive line prospects who offer the type of versatility they seem to be prioritizing.