49ers mock draft roundup: Kadyn Proctor buzz builds, trade-up scenario emerges

A new wave of mock drafts is offering fresh insight into how the San Francisco 49ers could approach the 2026 NFL Draft. With multiple roster needs and their first selection not coming until the No. 27 overall pick, projecting the team's strategy remains a challenge for analysts.

Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic recently released a three-round mock draft, where the 49ers hold two selections. His projection has San Francisco prioritizing the future at offensive tackle, selecting Kadyn Proctor out of Alabama in the first round.

The move would signal a long-term plan to succeed Trent Williams—a need the 49ers have put off in recent years.

"The most physically impressive human in this draft class, Proctor (6-7, 352) has rare body control for his size," Baumgardner wrote. "Physically, he has All-Pro potential. On the field, however, he can be inconsistent in protection and might need a year on the bench (or some time at guard) before being trusted as a blindside protector."

In the second round (No. 58 overall), Baumgardner projects the 49ers sticking with Alabama prospects, selecting wide receiver Germie Bernard.

Bernard totaled 64 receptions for 862 yards with seven touchdowns in 2025—all career highs. He also showed some versatility with 18 carries for 101 yards and two scores on the ground.

49ers linked to Kadyn Proctor in another mock draft

Baumgardner isn't alone in connecting Proctor to San Francisco. Pete Prisco of CBS Sports also projects the Alabama tackle to the 49ers at No. 27 overall in his latest first-round mock draft.

"When focused, he is dominant," Prisco wrote. "Spending a year learning from Trent Williams will really help his game. He just needs more from a play-to-play standpoint."

Proctor's increasing connection to the 49ers suggests the team may finally invest high draft capital to solidify the offensive line.

49ers add pass rush help in Round 1

Nate Davis of USA Today released his latest first-round mock draft, projecting the 49ers to address their pass rush with the selection of former Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker.

The 49ers defense recorded an NFL-low 20 sacks in 2025 and suffered major setbacks along the defensive front, with Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams both sustaining torn ACLs. Parker could provide immediate depth and long-term upside.

"A 6-foot-4, 263-pounder who had 11 sacks and six forced fumbles in 2024, Parker would be a nice addition to a defense that values depth along its front – and needs it with DEs Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams on the road to recovery from 2025 knee injuries."

Could the 49ers trade up in Round 1?

ESPN's Bill Barnwell released his annual "all-trades" mock draft—a tradition he openly admits is a bit "weird." While largely designed for entertainment, it also provides valuable insight into what it could cost teams like the 49ers to move up or down the draft board, and which scenarios feel realistic.

In Barnwell's projection, the 49ers trade up from No. 27 to No. 23 overall in a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. The proposed package sends picks No. 27, 127, and 133 to Philadelphia in exchange for the higher first-round selection.

Such a move would leave San Francisco with just four total picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, the team would still have two fourth-rounders to potentially deal to acquire more selections in later rounds.

As for the motivation behind a possible trade-up, Barnwell points to a potential target.

"The 49ers could move up here for someone such as Washington receiver Denzel Boston, who could serve as a valuable YAC producer and eventual Mike Evans replacement on the outside in San Francisco," Barnwell wrote.