Confidence meter: Which positions are the 49ers targeting in the 2026 NFL Draft?

2 min read
Confidence meter: Which positions are the 49ers targeting in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Confidence meter: Which positions are the 49ers targeting in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Confidence meter: Which positions are the 49ers targeting in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Confidence meter: Which positions are the 49ers targeting in the 2026 NFL Draft?

We're just one week out from the 2026 NFL Draft, and for the San Francisco 49ers, holding the 27th overall pick, the speculation is heating up. While mock drafts have consistently linked them to wide receivers and offensive linemen, the Niners hold six valuable picks within the first four rounds, giving them flexibility to address multiple needs. Let's break down the positional confidence meter and see where the front office might be looking to invest.

Starting under center, it's highly unlikely the 49ers target a quarterback. The room looks settled with Brock Purdy firmly entrenched as the starter. Despite offseason whispers, Mac Jones remains, and last year's seventh-round pick, Kurtis Rourke, is healthy and ready to compete after recovering from his collegiate ACL injury. With Adrian Martinez providing comfortable depth, this position is effectively off the draft board.

The running back situation, however, presents a compelling case. While Christian McCaffrey returns as the undisputed star, the depth chart behind him is full of question marks. The 49ers have a recent history of drafting at the position, but results have been mixed—players like Trey Sermon and Tyrion Davis-Price are gone, and last year's contributors have moved on or are unproven. Given Kyle Shanahan's stated desire to lighten McCaffrey's workload and the strength of this draft class, adding a dynamic, durable back feels like a smart and probable move.

Wide receiver has been one of the most popular projections for San Francisco, and for good reason. Beyond the established stars, there's a clear need to build reliable depth and plan for the future. The 49ers' offensive system thrives on versatile playmakers who can create after the catch, making this a premium position they are almost certain to address, potentially even with their first-round selection.

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