The San Francisco 49ers head into the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 27 overall pick, and after an active start to free agency, the direction of that selection is starting to come into focus.
San Francisco has already addressed several key needs by signing players like Mike Evans, adding Nate Hobbs in the secondary, trading for Osa Odighizuwa, and reuniting with Dre Greenlaw. With those moves in place, many analysts now believe the 49ers could turn their focus to the trenches with their first-round pick.
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One position that continues to come up in projections is offensive tackle.
According to Mel Kiper Jr., the 49ers could target Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller at No. 27. While some might immediately assume that pick would be about finding a long-term replacement for veteran left tackle Trent Williams, the reality may be a bit different.
Miller spent the majority of his college career playing right tackle, which means he could step in as an immediate upgrade on the right side while still offering flexibility for the future. At 6-foot-7 and over 300 pounds, he brings size, consistency, and reliability.
Even with the addition of Vederian Lowe in free agency, building depth and stability along the offensive line remains a priority. Williams is still playing at a high level, but as he approaches the later stages of his career, the 49ers will eventually need a long-term plan in place.
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That said, offensive tackle isn’t the only direction the 49ers could go.
Some projections have San Francisco targeting help on the defensive line, especially on the edge. With the retirement of Bryce Huff and a need for more consistent pass rush production outside of Nick Bosa, adding a young edge rusher could make sense. Prospects like Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell have been mentioned as potential fits.
There are also analysts who believe the 49ers could continue adding to their secondary. After dealing with injuries in 2025, adding a versatile defensive back such as Clemson’s Avieon Terrell could help solidify the unit long term.
On the offensive side, another wide receiver isn’t completely off the table either. While Evans provides a major boost, uncertainty surrounding Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk could push the 49ers to continue investing in weapons for quarterback Brock Purdy.
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Ultimately, the 49ers’ approach at No. 27 will likely come down to value and long-term roster planning.
While multiple needs still exist across the roster, one theme continues to stand out, the glaring need to continue building strength in the trenches. Whether it’s protecting Purdy or adding pressure on opposing quarterbacks, the 49ers could prioritize physicality and depth up front with their first-round selection.
As the draft approaches, the exact direction remains uncertain but all signs point to San Francisco using the No. 27 pick to make a move that strengthens the trenches of the roster for both the present and the future.