49ers mock draft roundup: Offensive playmaker or bolster the trenches?

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off in just two days, and the San Francisco 49ers could go in several directions with the No. 27 overall pick. As analysts and contributors submit their final mock drafts, a clearer picture is emerging of what experts believe the team might do.

We also get a glimpse of what some would do if they were in the shoes of general manager John Lynch.

Let's dive into the latest roundup.

49ers add offensive playmaker in NFL.com mock

NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks released his final 2026 mock draft, projecting San Francisco to further reshape its wide receiver room. He has the 49ers selecting former Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston in the first round.

"The signings of Mike Evans and Christian Kirk upgraded the 49ers' receiving corps, but adding Boston to the mix would give San Francisco a talented pass catcher to groom for a bigger role down the road," Brooks wrote.

Boston—along with Evans and Kirk—could help offset the offseason departures of Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, and Skyy Moore.

7-round mock also links 49ers to Boston

FOX Sports reporter Eric Williams released a 49ers-specific seven-round mock draft, also projecting Boston to San Francisco at No. 27.

Williams notes the 49ers still view themselves as Super Bowl contenders and could benefit from adding a young, reliable playmaker. While Evans and Kirk provide an immediate boost, Williams doesn't view either as a long-term solution.

"At 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, Boston is a big, physical receiver in the mold of Jauan Jennings who can win contested catches down the field," Williams wrote. "And with 20 receiving touchdowns over the last two seasons, Boston would help in the red zone.

"The 49ers have a good mentor for Boston on the roster in Evans, and the Washington product could eventually take over that role once he retires. San Francisco brought Boston in for a pre-draft visit."

Here is how Williams projects the rest of San Francisco's selections:

• Round 2, pick 58: DE Malachi Lawrence, Central Florida
• Round 4, pick 127: S Jakobe Thomas, Miami
• Round 4, pick 133: C Alex Harkey, Oregon
• Round 4, pick 138: OT Travis Burke, Memphis
• Round 4, pick 139: DT Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State

Maiocco targets edge rusher in Round 1

After finishing with an NFL-low 20 sacks last season, the 49ers could again prioritize the defensive front. With Nick Bosa and last year's first-round pick, Mykel Williams, coming off ACL injuries, NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco can envision the team addressing the pass rush with its top selection for the second consecutive year.

In his final first-round mock draft, Maiocco has the 49ers selecting former UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence at No. 27.

"Defensive line coach Kris Kocurek values quickness at the snap of the ball," Maiocco wrote. "And that is exactly what Lawrence brings to the table. Lawrence is a true edge with tremendous upside to play opposite of Nick Bosa in passing situations."

49ers linked to Trent Williams successor

Allison Koehler of Pro Football & Sports Network has the 49ers planning for life after Trent Williams. While the All-Pro left tackle signed a two-year, $50 million contract extension this week, he will also turn 38 in July.

In her first-round mock draft, Koehler projects former Clemson tackle Blake Miller to San Francisco at No. 27.

"Blake Miller is a high-upside tackle who brings rare experience with nearly 4,000 snaps and 54 starts as a four-year starter," Koehler wrote. "At 6'6″, 315 pounds, he's an elite athlete for his size, showcasing explosive movement, outstanding range, and strong balance in both the run and pass game.

"His 2025 season showed clear growth in strength and technique, though he can still refine his timing. With his versatility and athletic profile, Miller projects as a reliable starter with one of the highest ceilings in the class."

Another high-upside tackle option

In his Sports Illustrated mock draft, Conor Orr has the 49ers selecting a different candidate as a Trent Williams successor—former Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor.

"All you hear about Iheanachor is that he's a high-upside project pick," Orr wrote. "Well, just about the best option for a player like that would be playing alongside Trent Williams, who just received a two-year extension, and under the supervision of Chris Foerster, who may be the best actively working offensive line coach in the NFL. Maybe Iheanachor won't develop right away, but can round into shape quickly enough to provide a long-term future at tackle."

ESPN projects Caleb Lomu-to-49ers

ESPN's NFL beat writers collaborated on a first-round mock draft, with Nick Wagoner making the selection for the 49ers—former Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu.

"With the run on receivers and safeties, the 49ers probably would trade down in this scenario," Wagoner wrote. "If they make a pick here, offensive line or an edge rusher makes the most sense. In a close call, Lomu gets the nod ahead of Arizona State's Max Iheanachor because of Lomu's safer floor versus Iheanachor's higher ceiling. His experience on the left side would make him a logical heir to Trent Williams, who signed a two-year extension this week, when he's ready to retire."

Yet another offensive line projection

Longtime Sporting News contributor Vinnie Iyer has the 49ers selecting former Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor at No. 27, believing he could become one of the NFL's best.

"The 49ers have become more enamored with the massive athlete as they prepare to soon replace Trent Williams at left tackle," Iyer noted. "Proctor's appeal is how nimble he is for that size and how he can develop consistent technique and execution in their blocking system. They are hoping he can be the next [Trent] Williams or Jonathan Ogden."

Is Cashius Howell the answer for a struggling pass rush?

Mike Connolly released a first-round mock draft for The Big Lead and believes former Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell might be the answer to San Francisco's struggling pass rush.

"The 49ers are a team that could go multiple directions with this pick," Connolly wrote. "I think they could easily opt to go younger and cheaper at their edge positions, and Howell is an explosive rusher who would instantly be a factor on 3rd down and grow into an every-down role."

Two CBS Sports experts make the call for John Lynch

Two CBS Sports analysts stepped into the shoes of general manager John Lynch to make San Francisco's first-round selection, revealing what they would do at No. 27.

Pete Prisco has the 49ers addressing their pass rush with former Missouri standout Zion Young, a defensive end who recorded 6.5 sacks for the Tigers last season.

"The 49ers had pass-rush issues last season, and Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are coming off torn ACLs," Prisco wrote. "Young has some pop off the edge, and the 49ers need it."

Meanwhile, Ryan Wilson also projects an edge rusher to San Francisco, but with the selection of former UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence.

"Despite a defensive-heavy draft a year ago, the 49ers still have needs, especially at edge rusher," Wilson wrote. "Former first-rounders Mykel Williams and Nick Bosa are coming off ACL injuries, and behind them are names like Keion White and Sam Okuayinonu. Lawrence, meanwhile, quietly had a dominant season, followed that with a dominant week at the Shrine Bowl, and there's a good chance he finds his way into Round 1 on Thursday night."