49ers go EDGE in 1st round of new ESPN 7-round mock draft

The San Francisco 49ers have a few things to consider in the 2026 NFL draft.

Firstly, are they competing for a Super Bowl? If they believe the answer is yes (and it should be), then the draft will be focused on players who can help them win in 2026 first and foremost. That means filling roster holes and finding players who are experienced enough to contribute on Day 2.

Next, they need to ask themselves what positional needs they will likely have a year from now. That will help influence the priority of their picks — all six of which are in the first four rounds.

Finally, the 49ers need to decide what matters most to them: Offense or defense. The top of the first round could include some awesome defensive players or some middling offensive ones, depending on how the board falls. So which side of the ball they go with will determine how the rest of the draft will go.

ESPN's Jordan Reid went through all seven rounds of the 2026 draft with a week before the first pick is called and handed the 49ers some solid selections. Here's how it went:

Round 1, Pick No. 27: EDGE Malachi Lawrence, UCF

Between offensive line, receiver and edge rusher, the 49ers could take the best available player at the position where they lack any considerable depth. Lawrence had at least five sacks in each of the past three seasons and could be a Day 1 starter in Raheem Morris' defense, which would give Nick Bosa and Mykell Williams more time to heal properly from their town ACLs.

Round 2, Pick No. 58: OG Gennings Dunker, Iowa

If Dunker switches to guard, he could also be a Day 1 starter on the offensive line. Left guard is the only position that needs a new starter in 2026, and Dunker has the experience playing on the line to step in at a moment's notice.

Round 4, Pick No. 127: CB Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin