49ers News: Sometimes, the best picks are the ones you don’t make

Q: Why did the 49ers trade out of the first round in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The 49ers traded out to stock up on additional Day 2 draft picks, allowing them to target more prospects.

Q: Who are the top prospects the 49ers are considering for their second-round pick?

The 49ers are considering Denzel Boston, Cashius Howell, and other players like Jermod McCoy and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.

Q: What were Denzel Boston's college stats that make him an attractive pick for the 49ers?

Denzel Boston recorded 125 catches for 1,715 yards and 20 touchdowns in his final two college seasons.

Q: What factors contributed to Cashius Howell falling out of the first round?

Cashius Howell fell out of the first round primarily due to his short arm length, which is a critical measurement for pass rushers.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 21: (L-R) Tom Brady, Kyle Shanahan, Von Miller and Sean Payton of the Founders FFC look on from the sideline during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for for OBB Media - FANATICS STUDIOS) | Getty Images for for OBB Media - **The 49ers have traded out of the first round with the Jets**“The 49ers will enter tomorrow with Denzel Boston on the board. Other names include CB Jermod McCoy, S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, WR Chris Brazzell, EDGE TJ Parker, EDGE Cashius Howell, EDGE Zion Young, and OG Chase Bisontis.” **Seven players 49ers could target with first pick of 2026 NFL Draft second round** “McNeil-Warren (6-4, 201) would fill a need for the 49ers, who are uncertain about the starting spot alongside Malik Mustapha. McNeil-Warren has playmaking skills that the 49ers are lacking, including an ability to force fumbles. Also, he was called for just one penalty in his four-year college career….Bisontis (6-5, 315) has the size, strength and athleticism to fit the 49ers’ system. He would immediately step in and fill out the last open spot in the 49ers’ starting lineup.“ **** “*Furtado:* Boston. I could’ve seen the Niners taking him No. 27 overall. I’m fairly confident he was one of the guys Shanahan referenced as an option at No. 30 who ended up sliding to the second round. He can be an understudy to Evans, 32, and still contribute from Day 1. The 49ers paid Aiyuk to be their WR1 at the X position for the foreseeable future. Evans is probably the best fill-in they could have hoped for. Boston projects as a long-term solution. He isn’t fast, but he’s a big red-zone target with strong hands and a frame that should enable him to block well enough for Shanahan’s liking. Of course, an argument can be made to prioritize pass rush first. The thing is, Boston won’t fall to No. 58, where other viable speed rushers will be. I think he is closer to a first-round talent than those still available at the edge position. Offensive guard, safety and (definitely) corner can wait. *Branch:* Howell. The 49ers had an NFL-worst 20 sacks last season (you might have heard about this) and Howell is still available after an 11-sack season in which he earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors. So why did the unanimous All-American fall out of the first round? That’s easy. His itty-bitty arm length (30¼ inches). That’s not helpful when it comes to fending off long-limbed NFL offensive tackles, but Howell has rare burst and there’s something to be said for his production against elite competition. It’s not as if he tore it up in the Big Sky Conference.“ “We’ve got a good idea of some names,” Lynch said. “We’re always open for business. I think that would be foolish not to listen, and so we will do that. But we have a good idea of where we’re going, and looking forward to that.” “At No. 33, the 49ers appear to have attractive options with prospects such as Washington wideout Denzel Boston and Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell still available. The big-bodied Boston (6-foot-5, 212 pounds) had 125 catches for 1,715 yards and 20 touchdowns in his final two seasons. Howell was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year after he had 11 sacks in 2025. Howell likely fell out of first round due to his arm length (30¼ inches), a key measurement for pass rushers. Howell’s arms were the shortest among defensive linemen at the combine.”