San Francisco 49ers land a dynamic athlete in a new 2026 NFL mock draft who could be a day-one starter at a position of need

A recent 2026 NFL mock draft has the San Fransico 49ers landing a star from this year’s scouting combine who would be a next-level addition to their defense ahead of next season.

The San Francisco 49ers are going to be an intriguing team to watch this week in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team dealt with countless injuries last season. Yet they still found a way not only to make the playoffs but also to win a game.

It wasn’t a perfect year, by any means, as they fell short of their goal to win the Super Bowl. They also had to watch their NFC West rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, not only eliminate them from the playoffs but also go on to win the Super Bowl.

A recent A to Z Sports 2026 NFL mock draft has San Francisco adding a player who put on a show at this year’s scouting combine. He would also help elevate a position group that could use an upgrade.

Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman carries the ball as the Oregon Ducks practice on Jan. 5, 2025, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon, ahead of the Peach Bowl.Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

49ers select Oregon star safety Dillon Thieneman in a recent mock draft

“Thieneman making it to 27 would have the 49ers doing cartwheels in my opinion. He went to the Combine and blew the doors off Indianapolis, but his years of tape at both Purdue and Oregon are why he's a first-round pick, in my opinion. I believe he can play multiple spots; he has range, ball skills, and can be a plus one against the run.” – , A to Z Sports NFL Draft analyst