Opinions differ on whether the San Francisco 49ers will draft an offensive tackle in Round 1. One insider said they’re more likely to go with a wide receiver. But here’s the whole picture with our 49ers 2026 NFL Mock Draft for all six picks.
The 49ers have a pick at No. 27 in the first round. Four of their selections come in the fourth round, where they will make or break their draft.
Round 1, Pick 27: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
The 49ers know how important the edge rush is in the NFL. Other teams don’t seem to have that figured out. And with more than one talented edge rusher still on the board, the 49ers won’t be able to pass on both.
Howell is an intriguing pick, one that could leave the 49ers with that home run feeling. There’s something special about Howell, according to The Athletic.
“The NFL covets dynamic space athletes, and Howell brings plenty of juice off the edge,” Dane Brugler wrote. “With his get-off burst, he eats up the tackle’s cushion and uses his agility, hip flexibility, and aggressive hands to get blockers off balance using his rush sequencing. Though more physical than his size suggests, he can find himself swallowed up and sealed when attempting to contain. And his run game instincts must catch up with his physical gifts.
“Howell needs to expand the consistency of his impact beyond winning as a high-side rusher. But his athletic twitch, play speed, and violent demeanor make for the type of package you bet on at the position.”
Round 2, Pick 58: OT Gennings Dunker, Iowa
The 49ers get the second-best player on the board, but the 49ers might not get their Trent Williams insurance with the pick. Dunker could develop into a starter in the 2026 season, but maybe inside instead, according to NFL.com.
“Dunker is a three-year starter with a pro-ready frame but limited athleticism that is likely to push him inside to guard,” Lance Zierlein wrote. “He plays with average pad level, heavy hands, and enough upper-body power to displace defenders if he plays with more consistent hand placement. His lateral quickness is average, and his movements in space are mechanical, leading to difficulty making needed adjustments.”
Round 4, Pick 127: EDGE Tyreak Sapp, Florida
Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
It wasn’t by plan for the 49ers to take two edge rushers among their first three picks. But with Sapp still on the board, it becomes a the-more-the-merrier attitude.
Sapp brings plus power, according to Bleacher Report.
“(Sapp has a) thick build and carries his frame well with little-to-no bad weight,” Matt Holder wrote. “(He has) very good upper body strength to get extension on blocks and stand up offensive tackles. Also, Sapp is quick to get his hands up as a run defender and can knock linemen climbing to the second level off their path to help free up linebackers.
“(Sapp) takes on blocks with a wide base and is hard to move one-on-one against the run. He can set the edge against tackles and create stalemates against interior offensive linemen in short-yardage situations.”
Round 4, Pick 133: OT Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M
With Dunker likely moving inside, Zuhn adds to that mix and fortifies the offensive line. He has starting potential, according to NFL.com.
“A four-year starting left tackle with deep family ties to Texas A&M, Zuhn will likely slide inside to center or guard as a pro due to a lack of functional length,” Zierlein wrote. “He has first-step quickness to reach lateral landmarks but lacks ideal athleticism to play in space and is more consistently effective working double-teams and combo blocks.
“His anchor and savvy help mitigate his lack of length, but he could struggle to mirror and recover quickly enough when beaten by athletic rushers or twists. Zuhn projects as “solid” more than “standout” but he could have a long career as a starter at center or guard while offering emergency help as a tackle.”
Round 4, Pick 138: T Austin Barber, Florida
After drafting a pair of tackles who will both move inside, the 49ers finally get their Williams insurance. Barber has the length to get it done in the NFL. But he’s not a lock-solid starter, according to NFL.com.
“Tall tackle prospect with starting experience at both tackle spots,” Zierlein wrote. “He’s played against top-tier talent in the SEC, which bolsters his case. But his struggles against Texas A&M and Miami provide an idea of his ceiling.
“He has good feet and strong hands. He knows how to play, but he struggles to bend and drive at the point of attack. Same goes for anchoring or defending his edges against power rushers.”
Round 4, Pick 139: S Michael Taaffe, Texas
Because this is the 49ers’ last pick, they have to get a guy despite his ranking. And Taaffe is the best-on-the-board safety at this point.
Still, they should be happy because Taaffe brings a good game to the league, according to The Athletic.
“A three-year starter at Texas, Taaffe was a versatile safety in former defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s 4-2-5 base scheme,” Brugler wrote. “Taaffe is an easy player to appreciate because of his feel for the game and toughness. Even if his size, strength, and athletic traits fall below what most teams desire at the position.
“He is at his best working from the post, as opposed to near the line of scrimmage (where his lack of size is more noticeable). His anticipation helps him make plays, although a misstep can be a death sentence.”
The post 49ers’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft for all 6 picks appeared first on ClutchPoints.
