The San Francisco 49ers have a lot of opportunity to bolster their roster this offseason, as they’ll have ample cap space to make moves if desired, while also holding seven projected draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
While the 49ers do have a couple of holes to address (pass rush among them), it could also be the time to start drafting younger players to replace some of their older stars in the future. One of those key aging players is offensive tackle Trent Williams, who is still playing at a high
level, but will be 38 in 2026.
Another potential position to address? Tight end. George Kittle, like Williams, is still playing at an extremely high level, and he did just sign a four-year extension last offseason. But Kittle will now be coming off a major injury (torn Achilles) and could be nearing the end of his career over the coming years.
In his latest mock draft, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had the 49ers drafting a tight end in the first round, taking Oregon Ducks star Keyon Sadiq.
“Sadiq has high-volume potential as a moveable piece/flex tight end — especially in Kyle Shanahan’s offense,” Zierlein wrote. “And with the Achilles injury to George Kittle, this makes even more sense.”
The 49ers have the No. 27 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. So perhaps they’ll pass on drafting a future starter at offensive tackle. But they’ve long looked for a quality No. 2 option to pair with George Kittle, and Sadiq could fill that void while eventually taking over when Kittle does retire.
Zierlein’s pro comp for Sadiq is Arizona Cardinals star Trey McBride. Here’s what the analyst wrote about the Oregon tight end.
“A versatile tight end with a shredded physique and alluring potential as a volume target, Sadiq’s route tree will be full of branches,” Zierlein said. “His athleticism and break quickness should allow him to uncover against man coverage on all three levels. He’s talented after the catch, with the ability to make things easier for play-callers and quarterbacks looking to move the sticks.
“He has the body control and hand strength to win contested catches but will occasionally allow balls to hit the ground on lower-difficulty plays. He’s adequate as a blocker, giving good effort in-line and locating and landing on linebackers as a move blocker. Teams looking to diversify their passing game options with a talented pass-catching tight end could make Sadiq a priority.”
There are several other positions that could make sense for the 49ers in the first round. They need help along the defensive line. They could use another young, talented wide receiver. The secondary could get some help. Offensive line isn’t a bad idea, especially if they can get a tackle to replace Trent Williams. Tight end probably isn’t a part of the natural thought process right now, but Sadiq could fill a future need, while giving Brock Purdy another option in the passing game now.
