Although San Francisco finished 12-5 and secured a playoff victory last season, the team placed third in a highly competitive NFC West behind the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams. Improving the roster—along with better injury luck—will be crucial if the 49ers hope to compete for the division title in 2026.
Round 1: 49ers add edge rusher Keldric Faulk
With the No. 27 overall pick, Reuter projects the 49ers selecting Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk to bolster a pass rush that produced a league-low 20 sacks in 2025.
"After taking Mykel Williams last April, the 49ers go with a Round 1 edge rusher for a second straight year -- because Faulk's value is too strong to ignore," Reuter wrote. "His length and size on the outside will come in handy, especially with depth pieces like Clelin Ferrell and Yetur Gross-Matos headed for free agency, while Williams and Nick Bosa will be coming back from torn ACLs."
Faulk (6-6, 290) brings rare size and length to the edge. While he recorded just 10 sacks across his three collegiate seasons, evaluators view him as a high-upside prospect who could thrive under someone like 49ers defensive line coach Kris Kocurek.
Faulk also posted an 85.5 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), a mark that aligns well with San Francisco's recent defensive roster-building strategy. Additionally, he won't even turn 21 until September.
Round 2: Deion Burks bolsters the receiver room
In the second round (No. 58 overall), Reuter has the 49ers selecting Oklahoma wide receiver Deion Burks.
Listed at 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, Burks may not possess elite size, but he offers playmaking ability after the catch—a trait highly valued in Kyle Shanahan's offense. More than 300 of his 620 receiving yards last season came after the catch, highlighting his ability to make plays in space.
Burks projects as a potential complementary weapon who could develop into a reliable contributor.
Round 3: Collin Wright strengthens the secondary
With the No. 92 overall pick in the third round, Reuter projects Stanford cornerback Collin Wright to San Francisco.
Wright (6-0, 190) earned a career-best 74.9 defensive grade from PFF last season and has recorded five interceptions over the past three years, including one returned for a touchdown. His steady development could provide valuable depth in the 49ers' secondary.
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