49ers’ bold predictions in 2026 NFL Draft

It’s an odd slate of picks for the San Francisco 49ers. Perhaps that makes them look hard at a creative move. And here are the 49ers’ bold predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft.

With six picks, the 49ers are only one short. However, four of the picks are in the fourth round. And they don’t have a third-round selection.

Still, they can make important moves in the first two rounds. They need help at safety, edge, and the offensive line. The latter could be especially important because of the contract situation and the age of tackle Trent Williams.

Forget a tackle, 49ers will go edge in Round 1

It’s a calculated gamble. The 49ers could have a problem on their offensive line if things don’t work out with Williams. However, a report recently emerged that the 49ers are willing to pay Williams. It may not be everything he wants, but close enough to get a deal done.

And that opens the door for the edge rusher that the 49ers need to make a real run at the Super Bowl. Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams form a nice duo. But the injury situation clouds things for both players. That’s why the 49ers have no choice but to go with an edge rusher in Round 1.

But who will be available? One thing the 49ers can consider is trading up a few spots. They could give up two of their fourth-round picks and receive a sixth or seventh in return. That could be the difference in getting the right guy.

One player they would like is Auburn’s Keldric Faulk, according to ESPN.

“Faulk is an intriguing prospect whose tape was better in 2024 than 2025 (7.0 sacks compared with 2.0, respectively),” Yates wrote. “But his skill set is too good to ignore: He’s 6-6, 276 pounds with positional versatility and stout run defense. A defensive line coach will see the potential to develop Faulk into a much more consistent rusher, as he won’t turn 21 until September.”

However, all of those things make it less likely that Faulk is on the board when the 49ers get their turn. It’s more likely that Cashius Howell of Texas A&M will still be available. He would fit, too.

“Howell was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year after racking up 11.5 sacks in 2025, displaying an excellent first step, ability to bend the edge, and closing speed,” Yates wrote. “He lacks the optimal length for an edge rusher with just 30¼-inch arms, but that is offset by his ability to get underneath and around offensive tackles.”

That arm length pushes Howell down the board. But he’s going to get a shot. And this might be the sweet spot with the 49ers.

49ers will go safety at No. 58

This is a set-in-stone direction if the 49ers do indeed go with the edge rusher position in Round 1. The back end needs to be better, and the 49ers can’t wait. The biggest problem will be availability. Will there be a worthy safety on the board at that point.

One guy who might last is LSU’s AJ Haulcy. He’s not an athletic beast, but he’s an NFL-capable prospect, according to The Athletic.

“He covers a ton of ground and looks just as comfortable in the deep half as he does near the box,” Dane Brugler wrote. “His tackling and block evasion need to be cleaned up, but he is more than willing to stick ball carriers.

“Haulcy has some wild tendencies. Given his recognition and range, though, teams will be comfortable betting on him to reach his ceiling as an NFL starter. Teams will also appreciate his coachability and intangibles, which will show on special teams.”

This fits neatly into the Kyle Shanahan package for his defense.

Another possibility is Michael Taaffe of Texas. He brings a more polished game to the league, according to NFL Draft Buzz.

“Taaffe is a coverage safety whose processing speed and instincts in zone are well ahead of where most college defensive backs operate,” NFL Draft Buzz wrote. “Back-to-back seasons grading among the top safeties nationally in coverage, against SEC offenses featuring Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas A&M, does not happen by accident.

“He reads route combinations from the deep middle, identifies concepts early, and arrives at the catch point with timing rather than raw athleticism. That ability to diagnose and anticipate is what separates him from other Day Two and Day Three safety prospects.”