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(EDITOR’S NOTE: Resubmitted with alternate crop.) Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) leaps while being shoved out of bounds by Florida Gators defensive back Bryce Thornton (18) while picking up a third down during the second quarter of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia held off Florida 24-20.

NFL Draft Prospects the San Francisco 49ers Must Consider

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Gargi Sengupta | Last updated Jan 2, 2026 2:47 PM ET

The New Year is not just about celebration and playoff talk. For NFL front offices, it is one of the most valuable scouting checkpoints of the entire college football season. Big stages, elite matchups, and pressure moments give teams clarity that regular Saturdays cannot. For the San Francisco 49ers, this New Year’s evaluation window matters even more. Clear roster holes are forming, and the 2026 NFL Draft board is already taking shape.

Top NFL Draft Prospects the 49ers Must Consider

Here are the top five NFL Draft prospects that the 49ers should closely monitor:

1. David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Pass rush is no longer a minor concern in San Francisco. It is a serious concern. The 49ers currently are at the bottom of the league in sacks, and a true disruptor off the edge has become a priority. Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey checks every box. The star led the nation with 74 total pressures, finished second with 13.5 sacks, and posted a dominant 93.6 PFF pass-rush grade. Bailey wins with speed, bend, and relentless effort. Against top competition in the New Year’s matchup, scouts will be watching how consistently he finishes plays when the limelight is brightest.

2. Emmanuel Pregnon, Guard, Oregon

Interior offensive line stability has been missing in San Francisco. Rotating multiple guards has not produced a long-term answer. Emmanuel Pregnon looks like a solution. At 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, he brings size without sacrificing mobility. Pregnon allowed no sacks all season and surrendered only three pressures, a rare level of consistency. His balance, hand placement, and ability to anchor against power rushers align perfectly with what Kyle Shanahan wants inside.

3. Zachariah Branch, Wide Receiver, Georgia

The 49ers value versatility at wide receiver, and Zachariah Branch offers precisely that. He is a vertical threat with actual speed, but his value extends beyond the deep ball. Georgia has used Branch on jet sweeps, motion plays, and quick touches, allowing him to create yards after the catch. That skill set mirrors how San Francisco has maximized players like Deebo Samuel. Branch could complement Ricky Pearsall while adding explosive elements to the offense.

4. Keon Sabb, Safety, Alabama

Safety depth is an under-the-radar need for the 49ers, and Alabama’s Keon Sabb fits the profile of a reliable Day 3 target. The star moves well in coverage, reads QBs efficiently, and plays downhill against the run. Most importantly, his 83.1 PFF coverage grade shows his discipline and awareness. With a career-high 51 tackles this season, he has shown steady growth and physical toughness.

5. De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss

Late-round value often shapes draft success, and De’Zhaun Stribling is a live example. The pro WR generated more than half of his production after the catch, showing strength through contact and strong balance. He profiles as a dependable depth receiver who can contribute on third downs and special packages. For a team always managing the salary cap, players like Stribling matter. As the New Year begins, these evaluations could shape the San Francisco 49ers’ future more than any resolution ever could.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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