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ESPN analyst offers sound advice for 49ers in 2026 NFL draft
TL;DR
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for the 2026 NFL draft after a postseason run in 2025. ESPN analyst Benjamin Solak advises the team to focus on defensive needs and prioritize offensive linemen over flashy receivers.
Key points
- 49ers made postseason in 2025
- Defeated Eagles in wild-card round
- Lost to Seahawks in divisional round
- Have six picks in the 2026 NFL draft
- Advice to focus on defensive reload and offensive linemen
Mentioned in this story
Benjamin Solak
San Francisco 49ersPhiladelphia EaglesSeattle Seahawks
The San Francisco 49ers made the postseason in 2025, but after upsetting the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round, they fell to the eventual Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks, ending their run in the divisional round.
So far this offseason, the 49ers have worked deliberately to bring in talented players at positions of need, including Mike Evans, Christian Kirk and Osa Odighizuwa. However, there's still more work to do.
The next stage of the offseason is the 2026 NFL draft, where San Francisco has just six picks to make, and they all come in the first four rounds. With that, they need to make sure they're targeting positions of need, and on Thursday, ESPN's Benjamin Solak had some sound advice for the team.
"Complete the defensive reload with another splashy edge and a starting safety. Don't chase the flashy receiver when the meat-and-potatoes offensive lineman is there," Solak advised.
The 49ers will get Nick Bosa and 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams back from torn ACLs on the edge, but the surprising loss of to retirement definitely leaves them needing some help in that room.
Q&A
What positions should the 49ers target in the 2026 NFL draft?
The 49ers should target an edge rusher and a starting safety, while also considering offensive linemen.
How many picks do the 49ers have in the 2026 NFL draft?
The 49ers have six picks in the 2026 NFL draft, all within the first four rounds.
What was the 49ers' performance in the 2025 NFL postseason?
The 49ers made the postseason in 2025, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round but losing to the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round.
