The San Francisco 49ers are heading into the 2026 offseason with a rare combination of flexibility and opportunity. With ample cap space and seven projected picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Niners are well-positioned to not only plug a few key holes on the roster but also begin laying the groundwork for the future - especially at positions where their stars are still producing but creeping up in age.
Let’s start with the obvious: yes, the defensive line could use some reinforcements. The pass rush wasn’t quite the same down the stretch, and adding another disruptive presence up front should be on the table. But that’s not the only area where the front office may be looking ahead.
Two of the 49ers' cornerstone veterans - left tackle Trent Williams and tight end George Kittle - are still playing at an elite level. But both are now closer to the end than the beginning.
Williams will be 38 during the 2026 season, and while he continues to defy time with his dominance, the clock is ticking. Kittle, meanwhile, is coming off a major Achilles injury.
He signed a four-year extension last offseason, and when healthy, he’s still one of the most complete tight ends in football. But Achilles injuries are no joke, especially for a player who thrives on explosiveness and physicality.
That’s why the latest mock draft from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein raised some eyebrows - and sparked some intriguing conversation. Zierlein has the 49ers using their first-round pick (No. 27 overall) to select Oregon tight end Keyon Sadiq, a move that might not be on everyone’s radar, but makes a lot of sense when you zoom out and look at the bigger picture.
Sadiq is the kind of modern tight end that offensive coordinators dream about. He’s not just a big body who can block and chip in on short-yardage plays - he’s a dynamic, moveable chess piece who can line up all over the formation.
Think flex tight end with real receiving upside. In Kyle Shanahan’s system, which thrives on mismatches and versatility, that kind of skill set can be a game-changer.
Zierlein compared Sadiq to Arizona Cardinals standout Trey McBride - a player who’s carved out a significant role as both a volume pass-catcher and a reliable intermediate threat. According to the scouting report, Sadiq brings a lot to the table: explosive athleticism, quick breaks in and out of routes, and the ability to separate against man coverage at all three levels of the field. He’s dangerous after the catch, which fits right into San Francisco’s yards-after-catch philosophy, and he’s got the kind of body control and hand strength to win contested catches in traffic.
That said, he’s not a finished product. The occasional drop on catchable balls shows up on tape, and his blocking - while adequate - still has room to grow.
But the effort is there, and he’s shown the ability to find and engage linebackers as a move blocker. In other words, he’s coachable and physical - two traits the 49ers value highly.
From a roster construction standpoint, the move adds up. The 49ers have long been searching for a reliable second tight end to pair with Kittle.
They’ve tried various options over the years, but none have truly stuck. Drafting Sadiq would give them a high-upside No. 2 option right away - someone who could contribute immediately in certain packages - while also serving as a potential long-term successor to Kittle down the road.
Of course, there are other directions the 49ers could go in the first round. They still need help along the defensive front.
The wide receiver room could use another injection of youth and speed. The secondary has some spots that could use shoring up.
And if a top-tier offensive tackle falls to them, that could be too tempting to pass up given Williams’ age.
But tight end? It might not be the most obvious pick - not with Kittle still on the roster - but it’s a forward-thinking one. And it would give Brock Purdy yet another weapon to work with in an offense that already thrives on unpredictability and matchup nightmares.
The 49ers are built to contend now, but smart teams never stop preparing for what’s next. Drafting Keyon Sadiq would be a move that checks both boxes - helping in the short term while setting the table for the future.