Shanahan once told me he looks at the gauntlet drill at the combine to help assess a player’s hands. It’s not so much that he needs to see the receiver catch every ball, but how smooth and comfortable the player is during the drill and whether he has to slow down or veer off course. I thought Bell’s gauntlet was good, not great.
Would the 49ers take him at the end of the second round? I think it would hinge on whether Shanahan thinks Bell can be an outside receiver or just a slot guy. If it’s the latter, then there will probably be better options at the position. For example, I can see him liking Indiana’s Elijah Surratt, who excels in criteria 1 and 4.”
The 49ers could look to acquire more reinforcements along the offensive line in the 2026 NFL Draft. The 49ers hold six picks in the draft, including No. 27 overall in the first round.
Jones, 27, started all 17 games at left guard for the Miami Dolphins in 2024 in Mike McDaniel’s offense. He started 30 of the 49 regular-season games in which he appeared during his four seasons with the Dolphins.”
The War Room: Balkan Ball (paywall)
“Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana: This is one of my favorites. I’ve spoken at length about linebackers who are unable to use craft to get off blocks at the second level. I want to know that you can get to a ball carrier through traffic. Fisher is outrageously crafty and consistent and avoiding second-level blockers. I’m a huge fan of his game, even if he’s got some technical work to do to improve in coverage.
J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois: There’s a world where Davis is converted to guard because he’s short-ish at 6’4”, and that’s fine. But he’s got solid length and a quick first step. I think this is going to be a pretty competent offensive lineman who maybe isn’t a dominant player, but is one you’ll be thrilled to have on your roster. He keeps his base low and maintains strength well. While he can be a little eager with his first step, that should be correctable. I think most teams and most schemes would be happy with him in Round 4.”