Story perspectives

49ers Reach at 90, Draft Kaelon Black Amid Criticism

5/9/2026

Summary

49ers Draft Black

The 49ers selected Kaelon Black with pick 90 in the 2026 NFL Draft, a decision critics called a reach because scouting boards projected him 179-210 overall.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Black, who posted 1,040 yards, 10 touchdowns (5.6 yds/carry), was the second-rated back on draft board.
Coach Jim Kubiak praised Black’s knack for maximizing every run, noting the backlash fuels work ethic after he found locker beside linebacker Fred Warner.

Summary

49ers Sign Draft Picks

The 49ers signed six of their eight 2026 draft picks to four-year deals on May 8.
Stribling’s $13,376,884 contract was the highest; five draftees earned $4.6-$6.8 million each, while Romello Height and Gracen Halton remain unsigned as the team signs undrafted linemen Bryson Eason, Mikail Kamara and receivers Wesley Grimes, Will Pauling.
Following Jauan Jennings’s move to the Vikings, the OTAs run May 27-29, June 1 and June 4, with a mandatory minicamp June 9-10.

History

Historical Context

In 2000, the Patriots, newly led by head coach Bill Belichick, used a sixth-round compensatory pick (199th overall) to select quarterback Tom Brady, a lightly regarded prospect who became one of the most successful late-round picks. The 2026 San Francisco 49ers echoed that gamble by drafting running back Kaelon Black at 90th overall despite lower projections. Both moves show teams valuing upside over consensus rankings.

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49ers Draft Black

The 49ers selected Kaelon Black with pick 90 in the 2026 NFL Draft, a decision critics called a reach because scouting boards projected him 179-210 overall.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Black, who posted 1,040 yards, 10 touchdowns (5.6 yds/carry), was the second-rated back on draft board.
Coach Jim Kubiak praised Black’s knack for maximizing every run, noting the backlash fuels work ethic after he found locker beside linebacker Fred Warner.

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