San Francisco 49ers' 2026 NFL draft picks: Full list, analysis

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The 2026 NFL draftwrapped up on Saturday after three days in Pittsburgh.

With their first pick, the San Francisco 49ersdrafted wide receiverDe'Zhaun Striblingwith the first selection of the second round after trading out of the first round Thursday.

Here's a look at the 49ers' selections and what you need to know about them:

Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart

Round 2,No. 33 overall:De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss

My take: With Mike Evans and Christian Kirk either ostensibly on a one-year deal or actually on one, respectively, the 49ers' need at receiver was obvious for this year and beyond. San Francisco kept its interest in Stribling relatively under wraps, which makes this pick a bit of a surprise, especially with so many other options at more pressing needs such as edge rusher, safety and guard.

Need for speed: The Niners didn't just need a receiver, they needed to add some juice to that room after finishing last season without a single offensive player breaking the 20 mph mark with the ball in his hands, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Stribling should help in that regard after running a 4.36 second 40-yard dash at the combine. That speed should help him get on the field right away even if he's not a day one starter.

Round 3,No. 70:Romello Height, Edge, Texas Tech

My take: After fielding the worst pass rush in the NFL last year, the Niners waited a bit longer than expected to address it, but it's no surprise they spent an early pick on a pass rusher. Height had 10 sacks and 58 pressures for the Red Raiders last year and he should have a chance to step into the specialized third-down pass rusher role Bryce Huff filled for the 49ers last season. With Huff off to retirement, the Niners needed another option off the edge even though Height's size (6-foot-3, 239 pounds) doesn't necessarily translate to contributing much on running downs right away.

How's his health?Height had a pair of significant shoulder injuries during his college career. The first came in 2020 when he was at Auburn, causing him to redshirt and requiring offseason shoulder surgery. The second came at USC in 2022, a right shoulder injury that also required surgery. Height played full seasons each of the past three years, however, compiling 22.5 sacks for USC, Georgia Tech and Texas Tech.

Round 3, No. 90:Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana

My take: Another year, another running back swing by the Niners. With greater needs at safety and the offensive line, San Francisco opted for a running back who was projected by Scouts Inc. as the 213th best player available in the draft. The Niners' history of misses on running backs in the middle rounds -- Joe Williams, Tyrion Davis-Price, Trey Sermon and Isaac Guerendo -- combined with their need for help elsewhere makes this pick a real head-scratcher.

Whither Guerendo?: After the Niners used a fourth-round selection on Guerendo in 2024, he showed some promise in spot usage as a rookie. Last season, he didn't get a single offensive touch, clearly falling down the depth chart. With second-year back Jordan James likely to get the first chance to back up Christian McCaffrey and Black entering the mix, Guerendo could be on the way out, whether via trade now or at cut-down day. Perhaps the Niners could pair him with a pick and move up Saturday, but either way, there's not a clear path for Guerendo to expand his role in 2026.

Round 4, No. 107: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma

My take: The 49ers continue adding to their defensive line with someone who can help the run defense in Halton. His 9.9% run stop rate in 2025 led the FBS, as opponents averaged 1.8 yards per rush when he was on the field. He also had a pressure rate of 11.7% last year, fourth highest among defensive tackles in the FBS and the best in the SEC. Halton should slide right into San Francisco's defensive tackle rotation along with Osa Odighizuwa, Alfred Collins and C.J. West.

Round 4, No. 127: Carver Willis, OL, Washington

My take: The 49ers finally address their need for help on the offensive line with Willis, though it remains to be seen where he will fit. Willis played tackle in college, but some draft analysts project him as a guard in the NFL. Such players -- includingColton McKivitz and Jaylon Moore -- have worked out fine for the Niners in the past by staying at tackle, though the more pressing need for this year's team is at guard.

It's unlikely he will be a Year 1 starter, but the Niners needed to at least get some developmental options in the building.

Round 4, No. 139: Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington

My take: At 6-3 with 33 1/8-inch arms, Prysock is a tall, long corner more in line with what the Niners looked for at the position in the early years of the Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch regime. Barring significant injuries at the position, the Niners won't need Prysock to contribute right away, which should give him time to develop and potentially help on special teams.

Round 5, No. 154:Jaden Dugger, LB, Louisiana

My take: After trading linebacker Dee Winters to Dallas on Friday night, the Niners needed reinforcements at linebacker. Dugger is a converted safety who is still new to the position but is unlikely to be asked to contribute right away as he learns. He'll have the chance to compete for a backup role and possibly help on special teams as the Niners develop him.

Round 5, No. 179:Enrique Cruz Jr., OT, Kansas

My take: For the second time Saturday, the Niners added depth and competition on the offensive line. Cruz projects more as a tackle than Willis.

Cruz played both tackle spots in college and tested well athletically, with the third-best relative athletic score among offensive tackles at this year's combine. Although the Niners have their swing tackle inVederian Lowe, Cruz should have a chance to compete for a roster spot behind him.

]