Updated 49ers NFL draft needs after 1st wave of free agency
The San Francisco 49ers made a couple of big splashes in free agency that shifted some of their needs in the 2026 NFL draft.
With the first wave of free agency down it's time to start turning toward the San Francisco 49ers needs in the 2026 NFL draft. The high-profile Mike Evans signing , the trade for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and the Christian Kirk signing were a nice start to the offseason. Now the 49ers will need to once again hit on some draft picks to be more competitive in 2026, while also establishing a younger core to move forward with.
With those parallel timelines in mind, here's a quick look at the 49ers' updated needs for the 2026 NFL draft: 1. Edge rusher The 49ers made a big swing on the interior of their defensive line by trading for Odighizuwa. Now they need to figure out what they're doing on the edge.
Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are both coming off ACL tears and Bryce Huff retired. Sam Okuayinonu isn't enough to shore up that group. Landing a high-level, plug-and-play pass rusher is going to be paramount for San Francisco early in this year's draft.
2. Wide receiver There was an argument to be made that this was the team's top need entering free agency. The additions of Evans and Kirk in the free agent market pushes it down some, but it still sits as an early draft need for the 49ers.