49ers pass rush concerns linger after draft, says NFL.com

The San Francisco 49ers still have a major offseason decision looming with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Whether the team finds a trade partner or ultimately releases him, a resolution appears inevitable in the coming months.

While that situation headlines the offseason to-do list, Kevin Patra of NFL.com identified two additional areas of concern following the 2026 NFL Draft.

The first is the 49ers' pass rush. San Francisco recorded just 20 sacks last season—the fewest in the NFL. Injuries to Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, last year's first-round draft pick, played a significant role, and the organization is banking on strong returns from both in 2026.

The 49ers took steps to address the issue, trading for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and drafting edge rusher Romello Height. Still, questions remain about whether those additions will be enough or if further reinforcements are needed.

"With Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams coming off injury, the pass rush remains a question," Patra wrote. "Can Romello Height, taken in the third round, contribute right away? Regardless, adding a veteran rotational rusher seems prudent after last year's struggles."

Despite general manager John Lynch recently tempering expectations, many continue to view the 49ers as a logical landing spot for veteran pass rusher Joey Bosa, potentially reuniting him with his younger brother, Nick.

"I know that would make Mama Bosa happy, but I don't know if we can afford him," Lynch said last month.

With the draft complete, San Francisco could revisit the possibility of adding experienced help to bolster the defensive front.

Patra also expressed intrigue on the offensive side, particularly how head coach Kyle Shanahan will deploy rookies De'Zhaun Stribling and Kaelon Black.

"I'm interested to see how Kyle Shanahan uses second-round receiver Stribling and third-round running back Black," Patra wrote. "Stribling particularly brings needed YAC ability that the corps lacks, but with the additions of Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, how much will he be involved in Year 1?"

The 49ers will likely continue to tweak their roster ahead of the 2026 season, with the pass rush and the integration of new offensive playmakers as key storylines to watch.