With the NFL Scouting Combine in the books, mock drafts continue to shape narratives ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The San Francisco 49ers, who have multiple offseason needs, are already being linked to several first-round possibilities.
John Kosko of Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently took a different approach, identifying each NFC team’s best-case scenario with its first selection rather than projecting a specific pick.
For the 49ers, Kosko believes the priority is clear: plugging the defensive holes that became apparent during the 2025 season. His ideal fit is former Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker.
“The 49ers were decimated by injuries in 2025, yet were able to hold the unit together until the divisional round of the playoffs,” Kosko wrote. “Edge rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner should be back, but adding depth and talent is a must this offseason.”
Despite investing heavily in the defensive line in 2025, San Francisco finished last in the NFL with just 20 total sacks. General manager John Lynch recently acknowledged the need for continued improvement.
“Now, one tangible thing, we’ve always prided ourselves on our defensive front, and getting after people,” Lynch said last week. “And last year, if you just look at the numbers — now, I don’t think the numbers are always reflective. I felt like there were games where we put a lot of pressure on. But you’ve got to put the quarterback down, and so that’s something that we want to address, and we will address.”
San Francisco used its 2025 first-round pick on defensive lineman Mykel Williams, but like Bosa, Williams suffered a season-ending ACL injury. Adding another high-upside edge rusher could provide more depth and help improve play in the trenches.
Kosko believes Parker fits that mold.
“Parker had better tape in 2024 than he showed in 2025, but he’s still a disruptive and productive edge defender,” Kosko wrote. “Over his college career, he tallied 127 pressures and 24 sacks while recording a PFF grade above 76.9 in all three seasons. Stout against the run as well, Parker provides the needed presence opposite Bosa for the 49ers.”
Parker’s defensive grade peaked at 88.1 in 2024, then dipped to 80.7 in 2025. His pass-rush grade followed a similar trajectory, sliding from 86.3 to 74.6 year over year. Still, the 6-foot-4, 263-pound defender posted 37 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and three fumble recoveries in 2025, according to Sports Reference.
Kosko believes that adding a disruptive force like Parker could help the 49ers reclaim their defensive dominance in 2026.