49ers mock draft roundup: Would Cashius Howell in Round 1 frustrate fans?

Fans probably wouldn't be surprised if the San Francisco 49ers use their first-round pick—No. 27 overall—on a pass rusher. Several mock drafts have already projected that possibility in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Still, with other roster needs—most notably along the offensive line and at wide receiver—Garrett Podell of CBS Sports suggested that a defensive end selection might frustrate 49ers fans. However, that might not be the case.

Podell attempted to build the "worst mock draft ever," a first-round projection designed to annoy each fan base. At No. 27, he has the 49ers selecting former Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell.

"The aim here is to make horrific picks for every team, but the point of this mock is also that they have to be within the realm of being realistic as well," Podell explained.

While the idea of selecting Howell may not fully achieve its intended goal, Podell's analysis highlights a couple of potential concerns.

"Wide receiver and offensive line are two big needs for the 49ers, especially with uncertainty about Trent Williams' contractual future going forward," Podell wrote. "Instead, they take edge rusher Cashius Howell as they continue to throw more resources at the NFL's worst pass rush.

"Two concerns: his 31-inch arms and his two worst games of 2025 came in Texas A&M's last two games, the two most important games of the season: against Texas with a trip to the SEC title game on the line and against Miami in the CFP."

Another CBS Sports mock draft sends the 49ers a receiver

In a separate CBS Sports mock draft, Josh Edwards took a different approach—projecting help at wide receiver instead of edge rusher.

Edwards has the 49ers selecting former Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 27 overall, a name that has frequently appeared in first-round projections for San Francisco, and a player who visited with the team this week.

"San Francisco's receiver room may look a lot different in 2026 with Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and Jauan Jennings all gone," Edwards wrote. "Enter Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and now Omar Cooper Jr. Three wide sets would include Ricky Pearsall, Evans, and Cooper."

Bleacher Report projects another wide receiver for the 49ers

Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski also projects a wide receiver for San Francisco, mocking former Washington standout Denzel Boston to the 49ers at No. 27 overall.

Sobleski cited analyst Dame Parson's evaluation while explaining the fit:

"Denzel Boston is a strong fit for Kyle Shanahan's offense. He wins on contested catches, back-shoulder fades, and working across the middle of the field. He is a near-perfect pick to be [WR Mike] Evans' understudy. The opportunity to provide quarterback Brock Purdy with ample weapons should be a priority for the Niners."

Two mock drafts project Caleb Lomu to the 49ers

Two separate mock drafts have the 49ers addressing the offensive line by selecting Utah tackle Caleb Lomu in the first round.

FOX Sports' Geoff Schwartz released a first-round mock draft that has Lomu as the pick at No. 27 while praising the offensive lineman's physical tools and long-term upside.

"When I first watched Utah's film, Lomu stood out immediately with his size and movement skills," Schwartz wrote. "He will need a redshirt year to get stronger before replacing Trent Williams."

USA Today's Ayrton Ostly also mocked Lomu to the 49ers in a seven-round projection, emphasizing both present need and future planning along the offensive line.

"San Francisco hasn't selected an offensive lineman in the first round since Mike McGlinchey in 2018. It may be time to do so," Ostly wrote. "The 49ers have some questions at left tackle with Trent Williams' future in doubt. Even if he's back, the team could use more from its left guard after losing Spencer Burford in free agency.

"Lomu is a young prospect and could start at guard immediately before moving to left tackle - where he played for Utah - in time. His athleticism and anchor in pass protection give him a solid floor to work with in the NFL."

Ostly projects a series of additional moves for San Francisco, including trades that reshape the middle rounds of the draft.

According to his mock, the 49ers trade the No. 58 overall pick to the Denver Broncos for picks No. 62 and No. 170, then later move up by sending No. 127 and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Saints for No. 116.

Here is how Ostly projects the remainder of the 49ers' draft class:

• Round 2, pick 62 (via Broncos): Edge Malachi Lawrence, UCF
• Round 4, pick 116 (via Buccaneers): WR Deion Burks, Oklahoma
• Round 4, pick 133: S VJ Payne, Kansas State
• Round 4, pick 138: CB Hezekiah Masses, Cal
• Round 4, pick 139: Edge George Gumbs Jr., Florida
• Round 5, pick 170 (via Broncos): LB Justin Jefferson, Alabama

Sports Illustrated mock also targets pass-rush help

Last but not least, Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo also projects the 49ers to reinforce their defensive front, sending former Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker to San Francisco at No. 27 overall.

"San Francisco recorded a league-low 20 sacks last season, and both Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are returning from torn ACLs," Melo wrote. "John Lynch confirmed at the combine that defensive line is a priority. The 49ers need depth, insurance, and youth on the defensive front, and Parker brings that as a developing, high-floor prospect who just turned 21 years old.

"SI specifically made the case for Parker as a fit here, noting that his size, length, and power are exactly the profile San Francisco has historically targeted on the edge."