- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
49ers Quietly Bolster Roster with Versatile Additions
Pre-draft visits signal 49ers' focus on scheme fit and developmental upside over flashy star power
Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:06am by Ben Kaplan
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The 49ers' pre-draft strategy focuses on building a flexible, multi-dimensional roster through targeted acquisitions of versatile players who can contribute in various roles.San Francisco TodayThe San Francisco 49ers are taking a measured approach to roster-building this offseason, focusing on adding versatile players who can contribute immediately and have room to develop within the team's system. Recent pre-draft visits with players like cornerback Jack Jones and safety Cole Wisniewski suggest the 49ers are prioritizing scheme fit, technique, and adaptability over pure athleticism or production.
Why it matters
In a league that rewards depth, flexibility, and a sharp eye for talent, the 49ers' approach signals a long-term strategy to build a resilient, multi-dimensional squad capable of withstanding injuries and adjusting to different matchups. By identifying players who can excel in their system, the 49ers are positioning themselves to stay ahead of the curve in the competitive NFC West.
The details
The 49ers' interest in Jack Jones, a 28-year-old cornerback with a solid resume of interceptions and pass breakups, suggests they value proven production and versatility over flashy star power. Similarly, their visits with Texas Tech safety Cole Wisniewski and receiver Caleb Douglas indicate a preference for athletes who can contribute on special teams and in sub-packages while offering developmental upside. The team's emphasis on technique, leverage, and scheme fit over raw size or athleticism is exemplified by the George Kittle-Brock Endries mentorship narrative, which highlights the 49ers' culture of maximizing player potential.
- The 49ers have been conducting pre-draft visits with prospective players in the lead-up to the 2026 NFL Draft.
The players
Jack Jones
A 28-year-old cornerback with a resume of 8 interceptions, 4 returned for touchdowns, and 33 pass breakups in 59 games, known for his ability to operate across alignments, press, off-man, and run support.
Cole Wisniewski
A safety prospect from Texas Tech with a college background of 195 tackles, 15 pass deflections, and 8 interceptions, known for his versatility and potential to contribute on special teams.
Caleb Douglas
A receiver prospect from a pass-heavy college offense, known for his 4.39-second 40-yard dash time and route-running ability, which could make him a vertical threat in the 49ers' offense.
What’s next
The 49ers will continue to evaluate prospects and make their selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, with an eye towards adding versatile, scheme-fitting players who can contribute immediately and develop within their system.
The takeaway
The 49ers' approach to roster-building this offseason reflects a long-term strategy focused on depth, flexibility, and maximizing player potential within their system. By prioritizing scheme fit, technique, and developmental upside over flashy star power, the team is positioning itself to stay ahead of the curve in the competitive NFC West and build a resilient, multi-dimensional squad capable of sustained success.
