Briana Jeannel
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is in full swing in Indianapolis, and as the San Francisco 49ers look ahead to April's draft, where they currently hold the No. 27 overall pick, the shape of this class is coming into focus. According to Pro Football Focus analyst Dalton Wasserman, this year's class may lack offensive flash, but it could align closely with San Francisco's most pressing needs.
"This is definitely a more defensive draft," Wasserman said. "Some of the fans that are starting to dig into this, it's not going to be as flashy when it comes to quarterbacks or running backs. They're just not the deepest positions in this class. But defensive line? Absolutely loaded."
Wasserman pointed to a group of edge rushers and interior defenders who stood out during Combine media availability, emphasizing that teams looking to build or replenish their defense will find plenty of options.
"We saw some of the stars of that class talking on the podiums, guys like Arvell Reese potentially off the edge, Rueben Bain Jr., David Bailey. If you need defensive linemen, this is your year to need them. But, even all of defense, it's as deep a linebacker class also. As we've seen in recent years, a lot of great safeties in this class. If you need help in the middle of your defense, this is the class for you."
Wasserman believes San Francisco's advantage goes beyond where they pick, it's about how they pick.
"Shanahan knows what type of playmakers that he wants," Wasserman said of head coach Kyle Shanahan. "On both sides of the ball, they have such a great identity. Every year, it's why he's been doing it so long. It's why he's made Super Bowls and won so many games. His team has a clear-cut identity, and they come into this process knowing what they're looking for."
This year's process will also look slightly different on defense following the transition from Robert Saleh to defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. Wasserman expects subtle but meaningful schematic shifts that could influence how the 49ers evaluate defensive prospects.
"It's a little bit different than Robert Saleh," he explained. "Raheem Morris will mix up the fronts. You'll see some four- and five-man fronts that are a little bit different."
Where Saleh favored a more traditional four-down approach built on speed off the edge and interior penetration, Wasserman said Morris brings more flexibility.
"He mixes it up a little bit more," Wasserman said. "He's looking for quick stand-up outside rushers that have burst. You'll see more movement. You might see guys playing inside a little bit more. And if he wants to get into some of those five-man looks that teams like the Seahawks and Rams use, you're going to need more power on the inside to hold gaps and play the run."
While defense dominates the depth of this class, Wasserman believes the 49ers most pressing need may come on offense, specifically at wide receiver.
"Jauan Jenningsbeing a free agent,Brandon Aiyuk, it sounds like he's not going to be on the team now.Kendrick Bourneis also a free agent. So you're really only solidified withRicky Pearsallout there. And then withGeorge Kittledealing with an Achilles tear, we don't know how much time he's going to miss or how much of that receiving production you're going to get," Wasserman said. "You've got to replace it somehow."
Because of that, he wouldn't be surprised if the 49ers address the position immediately.
"Even all the way up at that first-round pick at 27, wide receiver could definitely be a focus."
Wasserman highlighted a pair of prospects he believes fit San Francisco particularly well. On defense, he pointed to Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas, an edge rusher whose explosiveness stands out in a class loaded with pass rushers.
"I think Salah would have loved him. I think Raheem Morris might love him anyway. Explosive pass rusher out of Oklahoma. I mean, the way he gets off the ball is among the best in this class," Wasserman said. "Needs a little work on early downs and run defense. But plenty other guys who can do that, right?Mykel Williamsshould be a really good run defender when he's healthy. GotNick Bosaback. Talk about a guy who can rotate in and give you that pass rush. He was kind of likeBryce Huffwhen he was healthy. That's what R Mason Thomas can do."
Offensively, Wasserman said his favorite early fit for the 49ers is Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion.
"Electric athlete, electric with the ball in his hands. Even back in his days at NC State, he played some running back. He could go back there and he looked like a natural. If he was just playing running back, he might be a top five back in this class," Wasserman said. "He got better working down the field with his routes, and he's a dynamic punt returner.
"Look out for KC Concepcion. I think he's a great fit for this offense."
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