49ers News: The 2026 rookie class is set

Q: Who were the key picks for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The 49ers selected defensive tackle Gracen Halton, offensive lineman Carver Willis, and linebacker Jaden Dugger among others.

Q: What positions did the 49ers prioritize in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The 49ers focused on trench players, selecting both a defensive tackle and an offensive lineman to strengthen their roster.

Q: How does linebacker Jaden Dugger fit into the 49ers' plans?

Jaden Dugger, a former defensive back, is expected to develop into a key player who can handle tight end matchups, bringing size and length to the linebacker position.

Q: What did 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan say about the 2026 draft class?

Coach Kyle Shanahan discussed how the new draft class fits into the team's plans and emphasized the importance of addressing roster needs.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 24: Former Punter Andy Lee walks off stage after announcing the 33rd pick for the San Francisco 49ers during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images **49ers focus on the trenches in Day 3 of draft, pick DL Gracen Halton, OL Carver Willis (paywall)** “The 6-foot-5, 303-pounder added that his lone season at Washington introduced him to the “exact same offense” as the 49ers. “It was a more fast-paced, more fun offense, and I think I fit that scheme really well,” Willis said. “I’m very grateful to be part of that same offense going forward.” **49ers 2026 NFL Draft takeaways: Most needs were addressed, but where was the value? (Paywall)** “The San Francisco 49ers spent Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft plugging holes on their roster and Day 3 shopping for size and upside. Their first two picks on Saturday were trench players, Oklahoma defensive tackle Gracen Halton and Washington offensive lineman Carver Willis. Halton, one of the fastest players at his position, figures to be part of the interior defensive line rotation this season, while coach Kyle Shanahan said Willis would have a chance to compete for the starting left guard spot. One of their most intriguing picks came in the fifth round in linebacker Jaden Dugger. Though he began his college career as a safety, he’s one of the tallest (6-foot-4) and longest (35-inch arms) linebackers in this year’s draft class. He seems like someone who could handle the tight end matchups that flummoxed the 49ers last season. The fit between him and linebackers coach — an ex-linebacker with similar height, weight and length — appears to be a good one.” “It’s a different game inside in a little way,” Willis said. “Things get on you quicker, guys are a little bit bigger. So just that adjustment I think will be interesting. Then at center, there’s a center I train with who has talked to me and helped a lot throughout the process. His name’s . He’s been huge. He said center’s the hardest pre-snap position but one of the easier post-snap positions on the O-Line. For me, the adjustment to center will be a lot of pre-snap communications than I’m used to and making the calls and doing all that. That’ll be an adjustment, but one I think I’m very capable of doing.” “My oldest brother played corner,” Prysock said. “He went through some things though. He had cancer and that forced him to stop playing. He couldn’t play anymore after that. Now he teaches me a lot of the things I know now. He teaches me techniques and how to cover certain types of receivers. “His story is one of my biggest things that keeps me going. He went through so much. We watch film together a lot and do things about football together. We have that with each other.” “The San Francisco 49ers made five selections on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, and each spoke to reporters shortly after hearing their name called. Here’s what they had to say.” **“**Dugger, who turned 22 in January, has taken an interesting path to the NFL and could be a player who needs more time to develop before seeing extended snaps for the 49ers. But, being a former defensive back with a 6-5, 240-pound frame, a 4.61 40, 35-inch arms, and 9 5/8-inch hands, he makes for an intriguing player to watch going forward. Here are some things to know about him as he joins the 49ers.” “San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters at the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, answering questions about the team’s eight selections and how they fit into the team’s plans. Here’s everything they said.” “More quick than explosive, he reaches landmarks well and has the size and length to tie up rushers. He flashes vice-grip hands when he connects, but his punch timing and overall hand usage are works in progress (see his reps versus David Bailey and Romello Height on the 2025 Texas Tech tape). He has functional strength, although it can be negated by spotty technique.” “They are expected to release him. They just haven’t done it yet. What the 49ers would like to do is trade him. The are expected to have interest—I would say significant interest—but they don’t want to make a move for him because they know that the 49ers are going to release him. And the 49ers don’t want to release him because they believe the Commanders want him, and would potentially trade for him, which is why we’re in this situation right now.” “Notably, sometimes early reports refer to tryouts rather than actual signings, so details may change as confirmations come in. Additionally, a player may initially be reported as signing with the 49ers but ultimately sign with another team.”