The 2026 NFL Draft, or Draftmas as some of us may affectionately call it, is almost upon us.
In a week, many members of The Faithful will be in front of their TV. Others will be holding their phone close, eager to see who the pick will be.
Ask any fan who they think the 49ers should pick. You'll get a list of several positions the 49ers should address, and which prospect should be drafted to address each position.
However, there is one position that usually comes up most often: left tackle.
And it makes sense, too. Trent Williams is still one of the best in the NFL at his position, but he is approaching 40 years old and has shown signs of regression over the last two seasons. It absolutely makes sense for the 49ers to draft his eventual replacement with the 27th pick in the first round, right?
Hold that thought, because the evidence shows that it is likely not the case. If you look at who the 49ers have played at the left tackle position under Shanahan, you’ll notice one thing the two have in common.
They were NFL veterans.
When the 49ers learned in 2020 that Joe Staley was planning to retire, they traded for Trent Williams to take his place instead of drafting fan favorite Tristan Wirfs.
Some will say their selection was due to the 49ers needing to draft a replacement for DT DeForest Buckner after trading him to the Colts.
Fair argument, except the 49ers have followed the strategy of signing a veteran over drafting a successor at the center position. The 49ers signed Weston Richburg, then Alex Mack, and currently have Jake Brendel manning the center position.
What this shows is that Shanahan trusts a veteran at two very important areas on the offensive line: center, and the position most of The Faithful want addressed, a successor to Trent Williams at left tackle.
But one of the nuances of a Shanahan run offense is its complexity, so having a veteran at the left tackle position allows Shanahan to only worry about teaching the player the offensive scheme instead of the offense and how to play the position at the NFL level.
Does drafting a left tackle at pick 27 in the first round make sense?
To the fan base, absolutely.
To the 49ers, not so much.
Sorry for the absence. I spent the last two months focused on finding another job since the place I previously worked shut down. I finally found something, and I start next week.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to aim at providing one article a week, but no promises.
Glad to hear!
DeleteThanks Razor.
DeleteMID,
DeleteNice to have you back, and all the best on your future endeavors.
Nice to have you back Mid!
DeleteThanks AES and Scooter.
DeleteI think they've put themselves in position to take BPA by filling their needs through Free Agency. They could use a vet S but it's slim pickings. According to Lynch they're not done at LG. Likely means another vet like Bitonio, draft pick or trade.
ReplyDeleteIf there’s a bona fide edge rusher, left tackle, or receiver available at 27, grab him. From what I understand, there probably won’t be. In that case, I think they should trade back into the early second round and pick up Oregon’s left guard, Pregnon. One thing that stood out was how the Niners’ front line, including Williams, looked passive against elite defenses. Pregnon brings some attitude, and paired with Toth at center, the Niners’ front line could be a lot more aggressive. (I know Brendel is still the center...)
ReplyDeleteAre you predicting Toth beats out Brendel? They might want Toth as their primary backup to center and a dedicated starter at LG.
DeleteAn edge rusher is possible, but I think they'll wait until the second day of the draft to take one Under. Same with wide receiver.
DeleteI don't think they'll draft a LT even if the prospect is bona fide. Shanahan seems to lean towards wanting a veteran presence at the starter.
Razor it's more wishful thinking with Toth. It's not that Brendel is a bad center, just doesn't have that attitude that you and I covet at the position.
DeleteLouisiana Tech DB Jakari Foster led the NCAA with 8 Ints last season. Can play deep third, runs like a maniac from box to shell, and he's got some good press slot reps, too.
ReplyDeleteUCF edge rusher Nyjalik Kelly 12 1/2 sacks, 22 1/2 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles playing for Miami and UCF. Has 35-inch arms and 10 1/2-inch hands. 6-5 1/2, 263 pounds.
ReplyDeleteVery active along the LOS. He could also fill out another 10-15 lbs that would help him not to be pushed back.
ReplyDeleteOther than that, he looks like a day 3 gem with a little work.
The only FBS EDGE prospects since 2015 with a pressure rate > 1/4, a win rate in true pass sets > 27.50%, and a run stop rate > 10.00% in their 'best' college season..
ReplyDelete🔘 Abdul Carter, Penn. State
🔘 Jaishawn Barham, Michigan
🔘 Micah Parsons, Penn. State
Nice write up Mid. One thing to think about re your argument about not wanting a rookie at LT - if they took a LT at 27, would he actually be starting as a rookie?
ReplyDeleteThey aren't likely to trade TW away, so I think it would be a case of letting the rookie sit a year. I could see them potentially going that route, as the chances of getting a good vet to replace TW next year aren't high, and would cost a mint.
Great point Razor, but with the 49ers being in a win now mode, I don't think it's likely the 49ers want their first round pick to sit for a year. Instead, I think they'll target a safety or edge rusher in the first round to help out that Raheem Morris defense.
DeleteIf Proctor slips to 27 I think it is a no brainer. He could step right in at LG for a season or 2 and then move out to OT when Williams retires. He kills 2 birds with one stone. It is likely that Proctor won't slip to 27 and at that point I think the best move they could make is to trade back 6 to 10 spots to a team looking for a QB. Then they could take the BPA at WR/OG/edge. I have a feeling that if they don't find a LG in rounds 1 or 2 that they will sign Bitonio. Lastly only 7 days until draftmas. Maybe next Tues or Wed we can all post our last and final mock so we can see who hits the most picks. Maybe one with trades and one without.
ReplyDeleteI'll be posting my final mock draft after Lynch's presser, likely Monday or Tuesday.
DeleteI’ve read that Proctor occasionally takes plays off. That would concern me. Potential means nothing without desire.
DeleteNice. Any surprises, Razor?
ReplyDeleteI don't think so. My 27 will likely be:
DeleteA. Concepcion
B. Boston
C. Cooper
D. Trade back
I don’t get this Shanahan prefers vets at LT. of course he does, but how often is a good LT available. I believe it makes sense to try and get a Good LT in this draft, or at least, the best one you can get.
ReplyDeleteMy reasoning is threefold.
DeleteTristan Wirfs was available during the 2020 draft, but the 49ers chose to pass on him and trade for Williams. The 49ers also have shown no indication they are focused on finding his eventual successor, and they've had several opportunities to do so. Finally, there are decent veteran LTs who could be available during the next two off-seasons whom the 49ers could acquire.
An argument I didn't include in my write-up is Morris needing a true FS and a second edge rusher for the defense he'll be running. I think the 49ers will take a FS or an edge rusher with their first pick, then focus on the offense during the second day of the draft.
It has to be a LT who can move into LG until Williams retires. They cant waste a 1st round pick on a players who might not play in his first couple of years. Many of the LTs coming out don't have the traits needed to excel at guard. That is why I like Proctor from everything I have read and heard about him he has all of the athletic traits to move inside until Williams retires.
DeleteI'm in the minority that I think if they draft an OT, they shouldn't make him play LG to start his career. At 27, the OTs you are getting will likely need development. Let them learn their actual position. Heck, when was the last time TW played a full season anyway? They'll get their opportunities.
DeleteMid, everything is possible but to get a good LT vet will cost you big. This is a good year for LT’s in the draft and hopefully they can get someone they like. It’s dangerous to keep putting this off.
DeleteI agree Felix, but I don't think the 49ers feel the same way.
DeleteKC Concepcion's letter to NFL GMs:
ReplyDelete"I’m the best receiver in this draft. Period. I run crisp routes. I catch everything thrown anywhere near me. I work my tail off every practice, every drill ... And I will outwork ANYBODY you put in front of me."
"I catch everything thrown anywhere near me" His drop rate says a whole other thing. I wouldn't hate Concepcion at 27 I just think they have more pressing needs at other position. I think they can wait until next year to draft a WR. The 27 draft is seen as a much more talented draft.
DeleteMost players will make a similar comment. KC' play on the field gives a good indication that can backup his comments.
ReplyDeleteExcept for the occasional drops, he has the ability to make Dcords sweat the night before a game.
That being said, Boston and Cooper could also become game changers.
But, I lean towards KC.
Micah Morris was charted with 0 sacks allowed on 852 pass block reps in his college career.
ReplyDeleteI get the feeling the 49ers will give us a surprise this year. Draft a player at 27 that nobody expects.
ReplyDeleteScooter,
DeleteWhich position would you view as a surprise pick at 27?
Not so much surprise position. Surprise player.
DeleteMy gut is telling me they want to go DL early. Lynch intimated the need to bolster the DL previously. Could be either DT or edge.
I'm thinking the 49ers will trade out of the first round, then draft a safety with their first pick on the second day.
DeleteIf they can find a trade partner, trading back is definitely an option. Not convinced they'll take a safety that high though.
DeleteIf TJ Parker falls to 27, I don't think they're trading back. He looks exactly like the type of Edge the 49ers will like, plus has shown the ability to play as a stand up rusher and cover the flat.
I would take Parker there. I figure he will consistently get 8-12 sacks a year and is solid against the run. Superstar pass rusher no. Borderline pro bowler most of his career, yes. He also gives Bosa insurance.
DeleteNormally, I would agree they wouldn't Scooter. However, a quality FS is a key component of a defense run by Morris, and this appears to be a good year to take a safety early. I wouldn't be surprised if they went that route.
DeleteYeah, a couple months ago I was talking up taking safety on the basis of BPA and fit for Morris.
DeleteBut more I thought about it, more I kept coming back to second contract, what 49ers will pay for, and where cap savings will most be realised.
They won't pay big money to a safety or OG - just philosophy wise they don't value those positions as much as others and are comfortable going with budget players there, so aren't going to pay big $ for them. The positions they'll give big money second contracts to, and will realise biggest savings having a guy on a rookie contract, are the ones they've drafted in round 1. Don't see that changing.
49ers met with Indiana safety Louis Moore.
ReplyDeleteFormer 49ers punter Andy Lee will be announcing the second round pick for the 49ers.
ReplyDeleteMiami (Ohio) linebacker Jackson Kuwatch had the fastest 10-yard split in the entire MockDraftable database. A 1.5 10-yard split on a 4.64 at 6'4" 232 lbs., he can move, he can cover... he’s borderline top 100.
ReplyDeleteThe 49ers drafted 2 of 11 from their top 30 visits in 2025. How many from their 6 this year will be drafted?
ReplyDeleteHighest pressure rates among NFL defensive tackles in 2025, per TruMedia:
ReplyDelete😤 Jeffery Simmons, TEN - 14.8%
😤 Chris Jones, KC - 13.6%
😤 Quinnen Williams, DAL - 13.4%
😤 Osa Odighizuwa, DAL - 13.3%
😤 Jowon Briggs, NYJ - 12.7%
😤 Christian Barmore, NE - 12.4%
😤 Kobie Turner, LAR - 12.4%
😤 DeForest Buckner, IND - 11.9%
😤 Arik Armstead, JAX - 11.9%
😤 Moro Ojomo, PHI - 10.8%
😤 Jalen Carter, PHI - 10.8%
😤 Vita Vea, TB - 10.8%
*Minimum 300 pass-rush snaps
Why SF insisted on playing Armstead at edge still baffled me. He was always better on the inside and had real juice there as a pass rusher which he didn't have on the outside.
DeleteMissouri's Chris McClellan was top five in pass rush win rate among SEC IDL this past season (9.6%).
ReplyDeleteIf you guy's have a little time, check out Jon Gruden' (scouts) on this year's Edge Rushers on YouTube. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteA WR I keep coming back to as a guy that would really fit is Reggie Virgil. Good size, really smooth and fluid mover, nice releases, good hands and ball tracking.
ReplyDeleteHis 4.57s 40 time at the combine has kept him under the radar, but he was also one of the fastest recorded players by GPS at the Senior Bowl and on film shows a lot of juice.
Also has a link to the 49ers, as he is friends with and has been training with Mike Evans and Mo Sanu.
Visited with both the Cards and Rams, who run similar systems.
Can he block?
DeleteYep
DeleteOnly 6 days until draftmas. Get your final mocks in.
ReplyDeleteThe 49ers have recently shown interest in UCF EDGE Nyjalik Kelly, per Fowler.
ReplyDelete