Which Day 3 pick from the 49ers’ draft will play the biggest role in 2026?

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Carver Willis #OL54 of Washington runs the 40-yard dash during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 1, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The focus last week was on the first few picks the San Francisco 49ers made in the NFL Draft. Most of the discussion centered around those picks was about whether they would’ve been available the next time the Niners were on the clock. The analysis about the players themselves was few and far between.

Let’s talk about the draft class today—specifically, the Day 3 picks. We’re asking which selection on the third day of the draft will have the biggest role for the 49ers in this upcoming season. These are your options:

OL Carver Willis
OL Enrique Cruz
DT Gracen Halton
LB Jaden Dugger
CB Ephesians Prysock

From a playing time perspective, Halton has the cleanest path to the most snaps. The 49ers don’t have an interior threat on the roster with a history of being a threat to get after the quarterback at the NFL level outside of Osa Odighizuwa.

The 49ers are hopeful Mykel Williams can develop into a terror on the inside. The other options Halton will battle for snaps are the rookie defensive tackles from last year, Alfred Collins and C.J. West, who were plus run defenders. can rush inside as well, but now we’re getting into the depth along the defensive line.