The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2026 offseason with a clear directive: close the gap between themselves and the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. After watching their NFC West rivals dominate the postseason, including a convincing win over the Niners, San Francisco faces a critical stretch in roster building - one that starts with the 2026 NFL Draft.
While Seattle looks locked and loaded for another run, the 49ers have more questions than answers, especially at some key positions. Wide receiver depth is a real concern, with only Ricky Pearsall - who’s struggled to stay healthy - and veteran Demarcus Robinson under contract heading into next season. That’s not exactly a comforting thought for a team trying to arm Brock Purdy with enough firepower to compete at the highest level.
Fortunately, the draft offers a path forward. Holding the 27th overall pick, general manager John Lynch has options - and according to one recent three-round mock draft, the Niners could come away with a haul that checks multiple boxes.
Round 1 (No. 27 overall): WR Denzel Boston, Washington
If Brandon Aiyuk is indeed on the way out and Jauan Jennings follows him out the door, the 49ers will need to reload at receiver - fast. Denzel Boston out of Washington could be the answer. He’s not the kind of prospect who’s going to blow up the combine with freakish athleticism, but that’s not what makes him special.
What Boston brings is polish. He’s got excellent body control, strong hands, and a knack for beating man coverage with savvy rather than speed.
That’s the kind of skillset that tends to thrive in Kyle Shanahan’s system, where route precision and timing are everything. Boston isn’t a burner, but he plays with a smoothness and control that should translate quickly to the NFL.
In a scheme that routinely manufactures space, a receiver like Boston can be a chain-mover and red zone threat from Day 1.
With George Kittle’s health still uncertain and no clear WR1 on the roster, Boston could be a critical piece in keeping the passing game afloat - and maybe even elevating it.
Round 2 (No. 58 overall): EDGE Joshua Josephs, Tennessee
Let’s talk defense. The 49ers finished last in the league in sacks last season - a stat that’s hard to believe when you consider they’ve got Nick Bosa on the roster.
But with Bosa and Mykel Williams both coming off ACL injuries, the pass rush needs reinforcements. Enter Joshua Josephs.
Josephs brings length, burst, and a first step that jumps off the tape. He’s not a finished product yet, but that’s the beauty of this fit - he won’t need to be.
San Francisco can afford to bring him along slowly, especially if Bosa and Williams return to form. In the meantime, Josephs can rotate in as a situational rusher, using that impressive wingspan and quickness to create havoc on passing downs.
This is the kind of pick that could pay big dividends a year or two down the line. If Josephs develops as expected, he could eventually become a cornerstone on the edge - and help the Niners finally get back to the kind of defensive dominance they’ve been known for.
Round 3 (No. 92 overall): LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
This one might raise a few eyebrows, especially with lingering needs on the offensive line and in the secondary. But when you look at the depth chart behind Fred Warner, it starts to make sense.
Jacob Rodriguez is a smart, instinctive linebacker who fits well in Raheem Morris’ defensive scheme, particularly in the five-man “penny” fronts that rely on versatile second-level defenders. He’s got the range to cover ground, the toughness to fill gaps, and the football IQ to diagnose plays quickly - all traits that make him a strong complement to Warner.
San Francisco’s linebacker corps has leaned heavily on Warner’s brilliance for years, but adding a player like Rodriguez could give them more flexibility and depth. He may not be a Day 1 starter, but he’s the kind of player who can carve out a role early and grow into something more.
Bottom Line
This projected three-round haul - Boston, Josephs, and Rodriguez - doesn’t just address the 49ers’ most pressing needs. It also reflects a smart, forward-thinking approach to roster building.
Boston gives Purdy a reliable target in a thinned-out receiver room. Josephs adds juice to a pass rush that needs it.
Rodriguez shores up a linebacker unit that can’t afford to lean on Warner forever.
If San Francisco wants to keep pace with the Seahawks and stay in the Super Bowl conversation, these are the kinds of moves that can help get them there. The draft won’t fix everything overnight, but with the right picks, the Niners can start closing that gap - one smart selection at a time.