49ers go in unexpected direction in latest NFL.com 2026 mock draft

Respected NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein released his first 2026 NFL mock draft, and he has the San Francisco 49ers going in an unexpected direction with their first-round selection.

While many project head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch to address the trenches or add a top-tier wide receiver, Zierlein instead has the 49ers targeting a different offensive position.

With tight end George Kittle set to turn 33 during the 2026 season and coming off a torn Achilles, Zierlein projects San Francisco to select Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the No. 27 overall pick.

"Sadiq has high-volume potential as a moveable piece/flex tight end -- especially in Kyle Shanahan's offense," Zierlein wrote in his explanation. "And with the Achilles injury to George Kittle, this makes even more sense."

Sadiq (6-3, 245) is the first tight end off the board in Zierlein's projection. Fellow NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah also mocked Sadiq to the 49ers in his own projection, suggesting there may be growing consensus around the fit.

A former four-star recruit, Sadiq spent three seasons at Oregon and enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign. He recorded 51 receptions for 560 yards and a team-leading eight touchdowns, earning Big Ten Tight End of the Year honors and first-team All-Big Ten recognition.

Over his three-year collegiate career, Sadiq totaled 80 receptions for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also adding nine rushing attempts for 42 yards, according to Sports Reference.

In his pre-draft evaluation, Zierlein compared Sadiq to Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, writing:

"A versatile tight end with a shredded physique and alluring potential as a volume target, Sadiq's route tree will be full of branches. His athleticism and break quickness should allow him to uncover against man coverage on all three levels. He's talented after the catch, with the ability to make things easier for play-callers and quarterbacks looking to move the sticks. He has the body control and hand strength to win contested catches, but will occasionally allow balls to hit the ground on lower-difficulty plays. He's adequate as a blocker, giving good effort in-line and locating and landing on linebackers as a move blocker. Teams looking to diversify their passing game options with a talented pass-catching tight end could make Sadiq a priority."