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What history can tell us about the 49ers first round pick in 2026
TL;DR
The San Francisco 49ers are debating their first-round pick for 2026, focusing on offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive line positions. Historical draft patterns under John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan suggest a preference for defensive linemen and wide receivers.
The debate rages on for the San Francisco 49ers’ first-round pick amongst fans and analysts, and which position the team will address. The three positions are offensive line (tackle, specifically), wide receiver, and defensive line (EDGE, specifically). With the top-30 visits, team needs, and athletic profiles as a guide for a prediction, from one mock draft to the next, you can find a mixture of opinions.
Maybe history is the real clue to what the 49ers’ plans are in the first round?
During John Lynch’s and Kyle Shanahan’s tenure, the 49ers have selected primarily defensive linemen or wide receivers, with one offensive lineman, one quarterback, and one linebacker pick each in the first round.
Offensive Line
The answer to the question is Mike McGlinchey in 2018. The next highest chosen offensive linemen are Aaron Banks in the second round in 2021 and Dominick Puni in the third round in 2025. If we’re using history, then it is unlikely the 49ers will use their first-round pick on a lineman. Is this part of the process, or have the 49ers not been in love with tackle prospects at their spot in the first round? It is also important to point out the years the team didn’t have a first-round pick because of the Trey Lance trade.
Still, the 49ers would have to break tradition to select a tackle at 27.
Defensive Line
If we’re looking at the most likely position to be addressed, then history points to the defensive line. Solomon Thomas, Nick Bosa, Javon Kinlaw, and Mykel Williams. Even in 2022, the 49ers used their first pick in the second round on Drake Jackson. Thomas, Bosa, Williams, and Kinlaw were top-15 picks. Now, at 27, the 49ers could sneak an EDGE, not a defensive tackle, in as the pick in the first round.
Wide Receivers
Ricky Pearsall and Brandon Aiyuk headline the first round wide receivers. The 49ers have selected two wide receivers per draft class in five drafts under Lynch and Shanahan. The top-30 visits have primarily been receivers or EDGE rushers. Given history, it feels like it is down to those two positions, with a chance they go 1-2 with the first and second-round picks. KC Concepcion, Omar Cooper, Jr., or Denzel Boston should be in contention if all three are available at that spot.
Q&A
What positions are the 49ers considering for their 2026 first-round pick?
The 49ers are considering offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive line positions for their 2026 first-round pick.
How have the 49ers historically approached their first-round draft picks?
Historically, the 49ers have primarily selected defensive linemen and wide receivers in the first round during John Lynch's and Kyle Shanahan's tenure.
Who are the key decision-makers for the 49ers' draft strategy?
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan are the key decision-makers for the 49ers' draft strategy.
