San Francisco 49ers Reload in 2026 NFL Draft

49ers look to fill key roster holes and build depth for another NFC West title push

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:03am by Ben Kaplan

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The San Francisco 49ers narrowly missed the NFC West division title in 2025 despite dealing with key injuries. In the 2026 NFL Draft, the 49ers look to bolster their offensive line, pass rush, and secondary to support quarterback Brock Purdy and challenge the division champion Seattle Seahawks.

Why it matters

The 49ers were one of the NFC's top teams in 2025, but fell short of the playoffs. With a healthy roster and some key additions, they hope to reclaim the NFC West crown and make a deep postseason run in 2026.

The details

The 49ers addressed needs on both sides of the ball in this 7-round mock draft. They selected Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu in the 1st round to potentially replace aging veteran Trent Williams. In the 2nd round, they added Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas to boost their pass rush. Later picks included Texas A&M interior lineman Trey Zuhn III, Kansas State safety VJ Payne, Oklahoma wide receiver Deion Burks, and Florida edge George Gumbs Jr.

  • The 49ers narrowly missed the playoffs in 2025 after a 10-6 season.
  • Trent Williams' future with the team remains uncertain as he enters contract disputes.

The players

Caleb Lomu

A left tackle prospect from the University of Utah who could develop into the 49ers' long-term replacement for Trent Williams.

Gabe Jacas

An edge rusher from the University of Illinois who could help bolster the 49ers' pass rush alongside star Nick Bosa.

Trey Zuhn III

An interior offensive lineman from Texas A&M who could compete for a starting guard spot or develop into the 49ers' future center.

VJ Payne

A versatile safety from Kansas State who could provide depth and flexibility in the 49ers' secondary.

Deion Burks

A speedy wide receiver from the University of Oklahoma who could add a new dimension to the 49ers' offense.

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What they’re saying

“The 49ers have a lot of holes to fill, but this draft class could really set them up for another run at the NFC West title.”

— Ayrton Ostly, Sports Writer

What’s next

The 49ers will look to sign Trent Williams to a new contract extension before the start of the 2026 season. If he departs, their first-round pick Caleb Lomu will be expected to compete for the starting left tackle job.

The takeaway

The 49ers are reloading their roster through the draft to challenge the Seahawks and Rams in the NFC West. By addressing key needs on the offensive line, pass rush, and secondary, they hope to build a more well-rounded team to support quarterback Brock Purdy and make a deep playoff run in 2026.