Story perspectives

49ers Finish Draft with Eight Picks, Reach for WR, RB

5/1/2026

Summary

49ers Draft Reaches

San Francisco 49ers finished the 2026 draft with eight picks after two trade-downs.
GM John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan said they avoided early reaches but selected Ole Miss WR De'Zhaun Stribling at No. 33, a reach.
They also drafted RB Kaelon Black at No. 90, another reach, and omitted a safety, relying on undrafted free agents like Patrick McMorris.
Analysts expect a camp battle between Stribling and rookie Ricky Pearsall for the WR2 role.

Summary

NFL Free Agency

Jauan Jennings entered the draft unsigned, prompting interest from the Minnesota Vikings.
Deebo Samuel, after one year with Washington, is expected to draw offers from three teams.
Raheem Morris did not retain Leonard Floyd despite his 8.5 sacks in 2024.
Joshua Dobbs, after a 2025 Patriots season, is eyed as a backup by the Packers.
Jimmy Garoppolo is weighing retirement after poor stints with the Raiders and Rams.

History

Historical Context

The 1999 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers executed a major trade-down from the second to the twelfth overall pick, reshaping their roster. The team amassed twelve selections, including future Pro Bowl safety Darren Sharper, and saved $5.5 million over the salary cap in contract commitments. The 2026 draft sees John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan trade down, selecting De'Zhaun Stribling at No. 33 and Kaelon Black at No. 90, Patrick McMorris. These parallel approaches underscore the franchise’s long-term emphasis on depth over marquee picks, implying the 49ers must cultivate internal competition to remain playoff contenders.

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49ers Draft Reaches

San Francisco 49ers finished the 2026 draft with eight picks after two trade-downs.
GM John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan said they avoided early reaches but selected Ole Miss WR De'Zhaun Stribling at No. 33, a reach.
They also drafted RB Kaelon Black at No. 90, another reach, and omitted a safety, relying on undrafted free agents like Patrick McMorris.
Analysts expect a camp battle between Stribling and rookie Ricky Pearsall for the WR2 role.

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