You can tell when information gets leaked in the NFL. For example, this past week, three separate mock drafts had the Dallas Cowboys not only trading up, but to No. 6. We’re not seeing the same prospects being mocked to the San Francisco 49ers. Sure, there is some overlap, but the lack of consistency is a sign that nobody knows what’s to come when the Niners are on the clock.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. recently did a 2-round mock, where the 49ers selected an offensive tackle in the first round:
Max Iheanachor,
OT, Arizona State
The 49ers are still working toward a resolution with Trent Williams on his contract situation, but this pick works regardless of the outcome. The legendary left tackle is turning 38 during training camp this summer, meaning San Francisco has to think about the future no matter what. Iheanachor started 31 games in college, has long 33⅞-inch arms and is quick out of his set. But he’s also relatively new to football, having never played before 2022. He could use a little time to develop before eventually becoming the guy.
Regardless of which players are available, Iheanachor should be under strong consideration if he’s on the board. The 49ers followed that up with an EDGE in round two:
Gabe Jacas, DE, Illinois
The Niners were down Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams last season, and their respective returns will do wonders to the edge rush. But there’s no getting around the team’s 20 sacks last season, by far the lowest total in the league. Jacas had 11 sacks last season; he would at the very least provide depth in case starters go down again.
Jacas plays the 49ers’ brand of football. He’s one of the best-case scenarios for San Francisco if he’s on the board in the second round.
The Athletic’s mock went a full 7-rounds. Here were the 49ers’ selections:
27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
I don’t think the 49ers are going into draft night stressing that they must find a long-term solution at left tackle. But if the right player falls in their laps, it would make sense for them to go that direction — and Lomu could be that player. He is a work in progress (in several areas), but his athletic footwork and body control form a great foundation.
49ers, No. 58: Germie Bernard WR Alabama
127: CB Will Lee, Texas A&M
133: OG Beau Stephens, Iowa
138: EDGE George Gumbs Jr., Florida
139: TE Jack Endries, Texas
That’s a rare mock that would receive a thumbs down from me. Bernard and Stephens are good values. I’m not sure you can say the same about any other pick.
Bleacher Report had the Niners doubling down with pass catchers for their first two picks:
No. 27: Denzel Boston
The San Francisco 49ers continue to reshape their wide receiver corps after moving on from Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and possible Jauan Jennings.
Future Hall of Famer Mike Evans is now the passing game’s centerpiece, with far more expected of former first-round pick Ricky Pearsall. Christian Kirk was also brought in to help. But the 49ers’ front office can’t overlook Evans’ age, Pearsall’s injury history and Kirk’s recent play.
“Denzel Boston is a strong fit for Kyle Shanahan’s offense,” Parson said. “He wins on contested catches, back-shoulder fades and working across the middle of the field. He is a near-perfect pick to be Evans’ understudy. The opportunity to provide quarterback Brock Purdy with ample weapons should be a priority for the Niners.”
58. San Francisco 49ers: TE Sam Roush, Stanford
One of Roush’s comparisons on Mockdraftable is Charlie Woerner. Another is Tyler Warren. He’s an elite athlete, but still in the 90th percentile weight-wise, suggesting he will hold up as a blocker against the run and the pass.
USA Today had the 49ers selecting Lomu in the first round, but then trading down four spots in the second round with the Denver Broncos, where they picked up pick No. 170. The Niners would end up trading up in the fourth round for a wide receiver:
62. San Francisco 49ers (via Broncos): Edge Malachi Lawrence, UCF
Nick Bosa should be back healthy in 2026, and the team got a pass-rush boost with Osa Odighizuwa arriving via trade. But the team could use more pass rushers to fill out the edge room, especially with 2025 first-rounder Mykel Williams having more of an impact as a run defender early on. Lawrence is full of tools with prototypical size and elite burst off the line. He’s more of a projection at this point but could develop well under Kris Kocurek.
116. San Francisco 49ers (via Buccaneers): WR Deion Burks, Oklahoma
Tampa Bay sends No. 116 overall to San Francisco for No. 127 overall and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
WR Deion Burks to the San Francisco 49ers: After Reggie Virgil came off the board to Baltimore, San Francisco knew they had to trade up to get some speed at wide receiver. Burks is a dynamic addition to the team’s pass-catching corps.
133. San Francisco 49ers: S VJ Payne, Kansas State
138. San Francisco 49ers: CB Hezekiah Masses, Cal139. San Francisco 49ers: Edge George Gumbs Jr., Florida
170. San Francisco 49ers (via Broncos): LB Justin Jefferson, Alabama
Lawrence at No. 62 feels like you’re chasing Bryce Huff when in reality, that kind of player got you in a situation that moved you further away from the great defenses you fielded under this regime. Burks and Masses are good players.
Todd McShay’s mock had the 49ers selecting Lomu over Iheanachor, something I would not do:
27. San Francisco 49ers: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
This is a forward-thinking move for San Francisco. The 49ers would draft Lomu with the plan to develop him into the starting left tackle by 2027, as Trent Williams is set to turn 38 in a few months. Lomu shows impressive natural instincts for the position, though he’s still relatively inexperienced, with just 24 starts (all at left tackle) over the past two seasons. He’s a bit high-cut and could stand to add more bulk, but he’s a high-level athlete with the quickness, balance, and mirroring ability you look for at the position.
Lomu is a popular pick, as mock drafters are convinced the 49ers will look for Trent Williams’ replacement in the first round. I’ll believe it when I see it.
