49ers go d-line in the 1st round of a way too early 2027 mock draft

24. San Francisco 49ers – Koi Perich, S, Oregon

The back end of the 49ers’ defense hasn’t generated many splash plays in recent years. Perich, who dabbled at receiver at Minnesota and also was a standout returner, could change the dynamic of the secondary. At 6-1 and 200 pounds, he could be on the Dillon Thieneman trajectory as a supreme athlete looking to rediscover his top form with the Ducks after moving over from a Big Ten school.

Perch was fantastic in 2024 with the Minnesota Gophers. His play took a step back last season. He went from allowing a 55% completion percentage to 78%. Perch had five interceptions in ’24 and only one last season. But he transferred to Oregon, which means Perch will have an opportunity to put up numbers to get him back into the good graces of the league. He’s 6’1″, 200 pounds, so the size is there as well as the playmaking. Now, he needs to put it all together.

A defensive lineman, a safety, and now an offensive tackle from CBS Sports:

26. San Francisco 49ers: Lance Heard, OT, Kentucky

A former LSU signee, Heard has spent the past two seasons starting at left tackle for Tennessee and will suit up for Kentucky in 2026 — his third SEC stop. At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, he uses his frame to dictate terms, though he may ultimately transition to the right side — or even inside — on Sundays.

Three months of Caleb Lomu at No. 27, and analysts still have not learned their lesson. Although the 49ers would draft a tackle in the first round, long before a safety. Heard is 6’6″, 330 pounds. He only gave up one quarterback hit and three sacks on 479 pass blocking snaps last season. This upcoming season will be Heard’s third year as a starter. His PFF grade jumped from a 44.9 to a 70.5, for those into that. It’ll also be Heard’s third school in the SEC.