The San Francisco 49ers completed the 2026 NFL draft with eight picks, which have been assessed as underwhelming. Each selection has been graded and analyzed for its potential impact on the team.
Key points
San Francisco 49ers had eight selections in the 2026 NFL draft
The draft class is perceived as underwhelming
Grades were issued for each pick and the class as a whole
Dane Brugler's insights were referenced for player evaluations
Draft grades reflect team needs and value rather than player success
Dane BruglerSan Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up the 2026 NFL draft with eight selections in a class that on its surface looks pretty underwhelming.
We checked in on Dane Brugler's draft guide 'The Beast' over at the Athletic to get the lowdown on some of the prospects San Francisco selected. We also went through and jotted down a sentence or two on each player and what their selection may mean for the 49ers.
We also issued a grade for each pick, and one for the class as a whole. It's important to note that draft grades are a reaction. They're less about projecting a player's NFL success and more about how the team did finding value and filling needs with that value. A pick we love might be a bust. A pick we strongly dislike may become a Hall of Famer. It's impossible to know for sure, and that's part of the fun of the draft.
That said, here's what Brugler had to say about each 49ers pick, our thoughts on the choice, and the initial grade we gave each pick:
Round 2, Pick 33 | WR De'Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss
Expert analysis: "Stribling isn’t the most well-rounded in terms of his route success, but he is a big-bodied athlete with strong ball skills and a pro mindset. He has the talent and competitive toughness to settle into a WR2/3 role for an NFL offense."
Our quick thoughts: There's a real chance Stribling winds up being a gem from this draft that makes his selection at 33 overall look like less of a reach.
Grade: C
Round 3, Pick 70 | DE Romello Height, Texas Tech
Expert analysis: "There aren’t many edge rushers with Height’s slender size profile who find sustained NFL success, but his twitchy get-off and rush movements can be weaponized by the right defensive play caller. He projects as a sub-down designated pass rusher in the NFL."
Our quick thoughts: Height doesn't need to set the edge against the run, he just needs to fly around and get after quarterback, which is his specialty.
Q&A
What were the grades for the 49ers' 2026 draft picks?
Each of the 49ers' eight draft picks received individual grades based on their potential impact and the team's needs.
Who are the key players selected by the 49ers in the 2026 draft?
The article provides insights into each prospect selected by the 49ers, detailing their strengths and potential roles on the team.
How does the 2026 draft class compare to previous years for the 49ers?
The 2026 draft class is viewed as underwhelming compared to previous years, with concerns about the overall talent and value of the selections.
What does Dane Brugler say about the 49ers' draft strategy?
Dane Brugler's analysis highlights the team's approach to finding value and filling needs, though the overall reception of the picks is mixed.
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Grade: B-
Round 3, Pick 90 | RB Kaelon Black, Indiana
Expert analysis: "Black runs with light feet and punches above his weight class to consistently get more yards than expected. Once in an NFL camp, his ability to prove himself as a pass catcher will be critical to carving out a part-time role."
Our quick thoughts: Come on, man.
Grade: F
Round 4, Pick 107 | DT Gracen Helton, Oklahoma
Expert analysis: "Halton is sawed off and can be overwhelmed at times, but he moves with big-man twitch and his initial quickness and closing speed can be weaponized. A part-time role that keeps his battery charged will be his best NFL fit."
Our quick thoughts: Helton provides much more pass rush pop than either of the two defensive tackles the 49ers took in last year's draft.
Grade: C
Round 4, Pick 127 | OL Carver Willis, Washington
Expert analysis: "Willis is at his best sealing and finishing in the run game, but his ability to stay on an NFL field will depend on how he protects his edges and anchors in pass protection. He projects as a backup swing lineman, with the upside to be more."
Our quick thoughts: There could be a move to guard coming for Willis where his overall lack of length shouldn't be as much of a problem.
Expert analysis: "Prysock has rare physical traits that are hard to find at the position, although he is still learning how to maximize those tools in coverage. He will appeal to both press-heavy and zone-based schemes as a developmental dart throw."
Our quick thoughts: Excellent combination of size and athleticism and name value through the roof, but can he play?
Grade:C-
Round 5, Pick 154 | LB Jaden Dugger, Louisiana
Expert analysis: "Dugger is an ascending player with a blend of size and reactive athleticism worth developing on the back end of an NFL roster or practice squad."
Our quick thoughts: He has the size and skill set to fit a bunch of different roles in the NFL. The key will be defining his role as a pro.
Grade:C
Round 5, Pick 179 | OL Enrique Cruz Jr., Kansas
Expert analysis: "Cruz is still green in areas and learning how to use all his tools in unison, but the encouraging play on his 2025 tape gives NFL teams optimism. He could be an interesting Day 3 flier for a team running a zone scheme."
Our quick thoughts: Another developmental flier who isn't liable to make a Year 1 impact, but this one comes at a premium position.
Grade: D
Overall class grade
Our quick thoughts: It was an underwhelming class overall, and the 49ers didn't do themselves any favors with their choices. Perhaps we come back to this class in a couple of years and realize it was full of gems and steals. For now, it looks like a pretty significant miss for a team that needed to find more high-end talent to provide some long-term answers for their aging roster.
