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49ers 2026 Draft Targets: Top Prospects to Watch

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Ben Wiley | Last updated Nov 19, 2025 9:15 AM ET

While the 2026 NFL Draft is still months away, San Francisco 49ers fans and analysts are already evaluating potential 2026 NFL Draft targets as the league prepares to welcome its next wave of college talent

49ers: 2026 Draft Prospects to Watch

How the NFL Draft Works: What 49ers Fans Should Know

Even though the draft spans only a few days each April, it is a year-round process. Teams immediately shift attention to the next class once one draft ends. Scouts spend the fall traveling to college games, while analysts and fans publish weekly mock drafts leading up to draft season.

For rebuilding franchises, the draft is a critical chance to accelerate a roster overhaul. For perennial contenders like the San Francisco 49ers, it’s an opportunity to patch holes, add long-term depth, and find cost-controlled contributors who can support their star-studded core.

At the moment, the 49ers are 7–4 and fighting for the NFC West title and a playoff berth over the final stretch of the 2025 regular season. While their focus remains on the present, this year’s wave of injuries has exposed a lack of depth at several positions — making early draft preparation essential.

A lot can change between now and next April. Prospects could get injured, return to school, or rise and fall on draft boards. Still, front offices already have a sense of what positions they’ll prioritize when the draft kicks off in Pittsburgh.

After heavily investing in the defensive line this year, the 49ers may look elsewhere in 2026. Offensive line and wide receiver stand out as the clearest needs at this point in the season.

Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane (71) against the Boise State Broncos during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Offensive Line: 49ers 2026 NFL Draft Targets

The 49ers drafted only one offensive lineman this year, selecting Iowa guard Connor Colby in the seventh round. Colby has appeared in nine games and profiles as a long-term starting guard for a unit that has generally performed well, opening lanes for Christian McCaffrey and protecting Mac Jones and Brock Purdy.

However, with 37-year-old future Hall of Famer Trent Williams nearing the end of his distinguished career, San Francisco may need to draft an offensive tackle for the first time since 2021. Adding another interior lineman would also help solidify the group.

Three 2026 Draft Targets

Xavier Chaplin, OT, Auburn: At 6-foot-7 and 348 pounds, Chaplin brings NFL-caliber size and raw upside. The 49ers could develop him as Williams’ long-term successor at left tackle.
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State: One of the top guard prospects in the 2026 class, Ioane has the strength and technique to play early and elevate the 49ers’ interior line.
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah: Lomu anchors one of the best offensive lines in college football. With West Coast ties and pro-ready traits, he is another candidate to replace Williams.

Wide Receiver: 49ers 2026 NFL Draft Targets

With Brandon Aiyuk missing the entire season after ACL surgery and Jauan Jennings hitting free agency next spring, wide receiver remains a priority. Ricky Pearsall has yet to fully break out in his second year, while fourth-round rookie Jordan Watkins has just two receptions as he adjusts to Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

Three 2026 Draft Targets

Makai Lemon, WR, USC: Lemon has 71 receptions for 1,090 yards and eight touchdowns, emerging as one of the nation’s most productive pass catchers. Keeping him in California would be a major win for San Francisco.
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington: At 6-foot-4, Boston offers size and downfield ability. He would give Purdy another vertical threat and a red-zone target.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State: Tate is another high-upside option who could add explosiveness to the 49ers’ receiving corps.

Cornerback and Edge Also Worth Watching

While offensive line and wide receiver appear to be the 49ers’ most pressing needs, the team may also consider bolstering the cornerback and edge rusher groups. Early mock drafts link Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell and Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey to San Francisco.

Ultimately, the 49ers’ draft plans will depend on how the front office values this class and where the team finishes in the standings, which will determine their first-round positioning.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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