Confidence meter: Which positions are the 49ers targeting in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Q: What positions are the 49ers likely to target in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The 49ers are likely to target wide receiver, offensive line, and running back in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Q: Why might the 49ers draft a running back this year?

The 49ers may draft a running back due to uncertainty behind Christian McCaffrey and a history of unsuccessful picks at the position.

Q: Who are the current quarterbacks on the 49ers roster?

The current quarterbacks include Brock Purdy, Mac Jones, Kurtis Rourke, and Adrian Martinez.

Q: What is the confidence level for the 49ers drafting an offensive lineman?

The confidence level for the 49ers drafting an offensive lineman is high, as they aim to add competition and depth to the position.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 03: Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Seattle Seahawks is defended by Renardo Green #0 and Ji'Ayir Brown #27 of the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium on January 03, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images We’re just one week away from the 2026 NFL Draft, and the question surrounding the San Francisco 49ers is who they’ll take with the No. 27 pick in the first round. There’ve been quite a few prospects mocked to the 49ers, with wide receivers and offensive linemen being the most frequent, but San Francisco has the chance to cover a few bases with their six draft picks, all of which are in the first four rounds. So, let’s go position-by-position and see what chance there is that the 49ers look to target a player there. **Quarterback** After spending a seventh-round pick on a quarterback last offseason with Kurtis Rourke, it feels quite unlikely the 49ers will go for a quarterback in the draft, even on Day 3, with the room feeling set. San Francisco obviously has Brock Purdy leading the way. Mac Jones is still in San Francisco despite trade rumors, and Rourke is ready to compete after sitting last year due to a torn ACL he sustained in his final game of college football. There’s also , who’s been in San Francisco for a year now and is a comfortable No. 4 quarterback. **Confidence Meter: Very Low** **Running Back** The 49ers have back, but the picture behind him is unclear. They’ve been drafting quite a few running backs over the years, spending a pick on the position in four of their last five drafts. The issue? Those players have yet to pan out. Two (, Tyrion Davis-Price) are no longer with the team. San Francisco also didn’t have much confidence in last year, and is an unknown after dealing with injuries as a rookie. San Francisco’s No. 2 running back last year, , signed with the in free agency as well. Kyle Shanahan has talked about wanting to share the load more for Christian McCaffrey. With San Francisco’s propensity to draft running backs and the quality of this class, it makes sense to draft one this year. ****Confidence** Meter: High** **Wide Receiver** This has been one of the most-mocked positions for the 49ers this year. And it makes sense why. The 49ers don’t have much trust yet in their depth. and have struggled to stay on the field or get on it when healthy. didn’t have a great season in 2025. As for the starters, there are questions about them all. is on the wrong side of 30 and coming off an injury-riddled campaign. He’s still a heck of a player, but he isn’t the future of the position for San Francisco. should have a solid role this year, but he’s on a one-year deal. And has dealt with a couple of injuries. With all the visits and the future need, feels like a good bet wide receiver is a position of interest in this draft. ****Confidence** Meter: High** **Tight End** The 49ers are pretty set at tight end. , , and are all back. can fill in at the position. is still on the team. And there are some other needs on the roster. But the 49ers could spend a lower-round draft pick on a flyer and develop them. I just wouldn’t count on a higher-round pick here. ****Confidence** Meter: Low to Medium** **Offensive Line** This is another position where the 49ers have done their due diligence, especially with players projected around No. 27. It feels like a certainty that San Francisco will draft an offensive lineman. John Lynch mentioned the goal of adding competition at left guard through the draft, and the 49ers also have a need for a future tackle. A couple of San Francisco’s offensive linemen are getting older. It’d make sense to add some depth and potential future starters here in the draft. ****Confidence** Meter: High** **Defensive Line** San Francisco could use depth along the defensive line. And they like to rotate players. But they’ve built a pretty solid foundation on the defensive line. On the interior, they have , , and C.J. West as the key three. and Sebastian Valdez are back-of-the-roster players who could compete for roster spots. On the edge, and are coming back from torn ACLs. remains a player with inside-outside versatility. had a quality year for San Francisco last season. And the team just signed Cam Sample, who could compete for a roster spot as well. But more depth could be had at both spots, especially after ’s retirement. So, it’d make sense to draft at least one lineman in the class. ****Confidence** Meter: Medium** **Linebacker** If there’s a position San Francisco is set at apart from quarterback, it’s linebacker. The 49ers made the move to add in free agency, bringing him back to complement on a one-year deal. There’s still and . signed a two-year deal to return as a key special-teamer. And was a third-round pick last year. A late-round pick could be used, but this room seems quite set heading into the offseason. ****Confidence** Meter: Low** **Cornerback** The 49ers have invested quite a bit in corners. They notably signed Deommdore Lenoir to a five-year extension. They spent a second-round pick on Renardo Green in 2024. was a revelation as a rookie in the slot last year. And they’ve signed Jack Jones and this offseason. Those guys pair with reserve to form a group with some depth. Corner is an option, but I’m not sure how much San Francisco will prioritize it with their current investments. **Safety** The 49ers have a packed safety room. The question is: are the players good enough? Ji’Ayir Brown, , and are all back. The team also added to compete. But I would not be surprised if the 49ers looked to upgrade this room in the draft. This is a room that needs some work and consistency, and that hasn’t been there the last two years. ****Confidence**** **Meter: Medium**