It's draft season once again. With the NFL Draft just weeks away, attention shifts to how the San Francisco 49ers will build on a strong foundation coming out of the NFL Scouting Combine.
Holding the No. 27 overall pick, San Francisco enters the draft focused on adding depth and impact talent to a roster built to compete now and in the future.
Here's an early look at what draft experts and analysts are projecting for the 49ers first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft:
- Keldric Faulk - EDGE, Auburn
"After taking Mykel Williams last April, the 49ers go with a Round 1 edge rusher for a second straight year -- because Faulk's value is too strong to ignore. His length and size on the outside will come in handy, especially with depth pieces like Clelin Ferrell and Yetur Gross-Matos headed for free agency while Williams and Nick Bosa will be coming back from torn ACLs."
- Lee Hunter - DT, Texas Tech
"Hunter can hold the point against the run and he showed flashes of his upside as a pass rusher at the Senior Bowl. Recent Super Bowl winners have featured waves of defensive linemen they can rotate. Hunter joins 2025 draft picks Alfred Collins and C.J. West to form a talented young trio on the interior."
- Caleb Lomu - OT, Utah
"The most natural left tackle prospect in the draft could give the 49ers an enviable long-term plan at the crucial position. Lomu's nimble feet and quick hands would make him the perfect eventual replacement for Trent Williams on the blind side."
- Kadyn Proctor - OT, Alabama
"Proctor's tape is all over the place. The highs are really, really good. The lows raise a lot of questions. But in the right situation, he could become a standout tackle in the NFL. And there might not be a better situation than learning behind one of the best to ever do it in San Francisco. Trent Williams will be 38 by Week 1, and he's entering the final year of his contract. So, Proctor could develop in Year 1 while kicking inside to guard and/or playing a swing tackle role before perhaps taking over for Williams in 2027. He has 40 career starts -- all at left tackle -- and is reliable in pass protection. This would be an upside pick for GM John Lynch."
- Blake Miller - OT, Clemson
"With Trent Williams fighting with the 49ers in another contract dispute, San Francisco might need help at left tackle."
- Monroe Freeling - OT, Georgia
"Twelve-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams will be 38 by the time the 2026 season rolls around, and he can't play forever. Freeling could be a nice apprentice for Williams after being Georgia's full-time left tackle in 2025. The size and agility are there, and he's quick off the line of scrimmage. Freeling needs to work on better connecting on his punches toward opposing defensive linemen, which could be aided by a more balanced foundation, but he's ready to roll in the run game."
- KC Concepcion - WR, Texas A&M
"It seems as though Brandon Aiyuk's days are numbered in San Francisco, so the 49ers would be wise to add another wide receiver with their first-round pick. Concepcion would be a great fit in Kyle Shanahan's system as a dangerous player after the catch. "
