49ers Climb NFC Playoff Ladder Without Playing a Snap - and Eye Offensive Firepower in Mock Draft
The San Francisco 49ers didn’t take the field in Week 14, but that didn’t stop them from making moves in the NFC playoff picture. Thanks to a shakeup across the conference, the Niners climbed from the final Wild Card spot to the sixth seed - and they didn’t have to lift a finger to do it.
The biggest domino fell in the NFC North, where the Green Bay Packers took down the Chicago Bears in a high-stakes matchup. That win had massive playoff implications.
The Bears, who entered the week holding the No. 1 seed, tumbled all the way down to seventh place. Meanwhile, the Packers made a major leap, vaulting from the sixth seed to No. 2 in the conference.
With that reshuffling, the 49ers moved up a rung in the Wild Card standings. It’s a small step on paper, but it could be huge when it comes to playoff seeding and potential matchups down the stretch. Every position matters in a tightly packed NFC race.
At the top of the conference, the Los Angeles Rams continued their strong season, improving to 10-3 with a win over the Arizona Cardinals. That win pushed them into the No. 1 spot in the NFC, giving them the inside track to home-field advantage through the playoffs.
While the postseason picture is still far from settled, San Francisco is trending in the right direction - and they’re not just focused on the present. Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the 49ers appear poised to reinforce their offense with two intriguing prospects in a recent three-round mock draft.
First up: Trevor Goosby, a high-upside offensive tackle who made waves in his first full season as a starter. Goosby’s athleticism jumps off the tape.
He’s got the kind of length and fluidity you want in a modern-day blindside protector. His coordination in pass sets and ability to mirror edge rushers make him a tantalizing developmental piece with the potential to become a long-term anchor on the offensive line.
If the 49ers do land Goosby, it would be a clear investment in keeping their quarterback upright and their offense humming. Protection has been a point of emphasis in recent seasons, and Goosby fits the mold of a plug-and-play tackle with room to grow.
Their second pick in this mock brings even more excitement - especially for fans who love big-bodied receivers. Ja’Kobi Lane, the 6’4” target out of USC, has been more of a secondary option in college, but his skill set suggests he could be much more at the next level.
Lane has the kind of ball skills and body control that make him a nightmare in contested-catch situations. And for a guy his size, he moves better than you’d expect - smooth enough to separate and physical enough to win in tight coverage.
Lane profiles as a prototypical “X” receiver, someone who can line up outside and consistently win one-on-one matchups. That’s something the 49ers could use more of, especially to complement their current offensive weapons. With his frame and hands, Lane could become a red-zone threat and a third-down security blanket - two areas where San Francisco is always looking to improve.
So while Week 14 didn’t feature any action from the 49ers on the field, it was still a productive one. They gained ground in the playoff race and, if this mock draft holds any weight, could be laying the foundation for a more dynamic offense in the near future.
For now, the Niners will turn their attention to finishing strong in the regular season. But make no mistake - the front office is already thinking about what comes next. And if these draft projections are any indication, San Francisco is looking to build an offense that can keep pace with anyone in the NFC.