49ers 2026 NFL Draft: Picks by round, biggest needs, best fits

TL;DR

The 2026 NFL Draft for the San Francisco 49ers begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh, focusing on strengthening their interior offensive line. Key needs arise from the loss of guard Spencer Burford and the aging of tackle Trent Williams.

Key points

2026 NFL Draft starts April 23 in Pittsburgh
49ers need to strengthen their interior offensive line
Spencer Burford lost in free agency
Trent Williams will be 38 at the start of the season

Mentioned in this story

Spencer BurfordTrent WilliamsPittsburgh

2026 NFL DraftSan Francisco 49ers

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the San Francisco 49ers, the biggest need is an obvious one: Interior offensive line.

The 49ers need more depth and competition across their entire offensive line. San Francisco lost starting guard Spencer Burford in free agency, and standout left tackle Trent Williams will be 38 years old at the start of the season.

MORE: Biggest need for every team entering 2026 NFL Draft

Here's everything you need to know about the San Francisco 49ers for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster.

San Francisco 49ers NFL Draft best prospect fit: TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly:

San Francisco has immediate needs on the offensive line but this one would be too much fun to pass up. Stowers is second only to Sadiq as an outlier athlete at the tight end position in this class. The 49ers lack a reliable field stretcher, and Kyle Shanahan is creative enough to get it done with a tight end in performing that role. His inconsistent blocking would be less of a concern with Luke Farrell and Jake Tonges already on the roster.

NFL DRAFT: