Notebook: Breaking down the past week of Wisconsin’s spring ball practices
Insights from the Wisconsin Badgers' recent spring practices.
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on immediate reinforcements for their roster amid medical recoveries and player departures. Their first-round pick is projected to be Malachi Lawrence, an EDGE player from UCF.
A No-Trade 49ers 2026 Mock Draft
With the 2026 NFL Draft just days away, the San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a precarious position. Their championship window remains open, but the roster is weathering a storm of medical recoveries and high profile departures.
If general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan stick to their current slots and prioritize immediate reinforcements for Brock Purdy and the defensive front, here is how a "No-Trade" 49ers mock draft could look.
The 49ers' pass rush was decimated by a "perfect storm" this offseason. There was the sudden retirement of Bryce Huff and a trio of surgeries for Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, and Keion White. San Francisco needs "juice" on the edge immediately.
Lawrence is an exceptional athlete who recorded 12.5 sacks in a breakout 2025 campaign for the Knights. While some scouts worry about his "lanky" 260 pound frame his first step explosiveness is elite. He is a "pro-ready" player who would benefit immensely from the 49ers' wide-9 alignment.
Drafting an Iowa offensive lineman is a safe bet for any team, but for the 49ers, it’s a necessity. Dunker is a 319-pounder who spent his collegiate career at right tackle but projects as a dominant NFL guard. He made waves at the Combine with a bright red mullet and a 5.18 second 40 yard dash, proving he has the requisite movement skills for Shanahan’s zone-run scheme.
Burks is a dynamic "vertical" threat who brings 4.4 speed to the slot. In 2025, he proved he could handle high volume targets, and his ability to separate at the line of scrimmage makes him a natural fit for Purdy’s quick timing throws.
A former cornerback who transitioned to safety, Stukes is a "Quarters" defense specialist. At 6'1", 190 lbs, he has the length to play the deep half and the ball skills (4 interceptions in 2025) to act as a secondary "eraser." He provides vital insurance for a safety room that lost Jason Pinnock in free agency.
The 49ers have spent years looking for a consistent "TE2" to alleviate the pressure on George Kittle. Endries, a Monte Vista High (CA) product, is a reliable safety blanket with good hands. While he’s a work in progress as a blocker, his zone awareness makes him a perfect target for the 49ers’ intermediate passing game.
Rivers is a versatile "nickel/dime" defender who earned All-ACC honors for his ball tracking ability and instincts. Standing just under 5 '10", he may lack "outside" size, but his 29 career passes defended suggest he can thrive in the slot which is a position where the 49ers value high-IQ defenders who can also contribute on special teams.
Malachi Lawrence, an EDGE player from UCF, is projected to be the 49ers' first-round pick.
The 49ers are dealing with medical recoveries and high-profile departures, which complicate their roster situation.
The 49ers are prioritizing immediate reinforcements for quarterback Brock Purdy and their defensive front.
A 'No-Trade' mock draft indicates that the 49ers will stick to their current draft slots, focusing on maximizing their immediate needs without trading away picks.
Insights from the Wisconsin Badgers' recent spring practices.

Millwall's Alex Neil tells players to have 'zero fear' in promotion race.

Damon Jones plans to plead guilty in NBA gambling scandal involving LeBron and Davis.
Rafael and Fabio Da Silva discuss Michael Carrick's potential as Manchester United's permanent manager. Despite his good performance as a temporary replacement, Carrick's future remains uncertain.
Big Ten announces first-ever volleyball tournament in 2026!
Former Auburn EDGE Amaris Williams sidelined for 2026 season due to torn ACL.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.