So is it offensive or defensive line? The Athletic’s Matt Barrows has the defensive line getting the priority in the 2026 NFL Draft, along with a couple of wide receivers.
In his recent mock, Barrows did a rundown of the 49ers’ seven selections in the draft. He didn’t just stop with the first or second round, instead going through all seven picks. It certainly shows how this particular NFL draft class isn’t deep with offensive linemen.
The full rundown is here:
- Rd, 1, No. 27: DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
- Rd 2, No. 58: WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
- Rd 3, No. 92: WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State
- Rd. 4: DT Chris McClellan, Missouri
- Rd. 4: G Jaeden Roberts, Alabama
- Rd. 4: LB Lander Barton, Utah
- Rd. 5: RB/WR Eli Heidenreich, Navy
This haul isn’t exactly something I’d personally hate. The only question mark I’d have is the two wide receiver picks. A lot will depend on Jauan Jennings/Kendrick Bourne returning to the team. Jordan Watkins also needs to be included in the 2026 plans. The 49ers need a wide receiver, but a second and third rounder one after another?
As far as the first pick, defensive end Akeem Mesidor, here’s Barrows reasoning for it:
No, Miami defensive end Rueben Bain won’t be available at pick No. 27. But his bookend on the Hurricanes’ defensive line could be. Mesidor was nearly as destructive as Bain in 2025, finishing with 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. According to Pro Football Focus, he had a pass-rush win rate of 21.2 percent. To put that in perspective, Bain’s was 22.9 percent.
So how does a guy with numbers like that slip to No. 27? Mesidor might not have elite length — his height and arm length will be scrutinized at the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine — and he’ll also turn 25 three weeks before the draft. That means he’s more than three years older than the 49ers’ first-round pick last year, Mykel Williams.
The 25-years of age isn’t so concerning. It’s not exactly like quarterback Brandon Weeden, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2012 at 28 years old. Does it raise some developmental concerns? I guess, but 25 seems….not too concerning. I guess. Size is where I get tripped up. His draft profile on NFL.com says he has an average speed-to-power conversion. Maybe the combine can give us more information on that and what he can make up for with his limited size.
The rest of the picks, I don’t hate, though two receivers back-to-back makes me raise an eyebrow. A tackle of the future would be nice in round two or three to go with the Jaeden Roberts pick in round four. Again, this isn’t a very deep class for offensive linemen. If the 49ers could make a good free agent addition at center to go along with Roberts, maybe this would get the line figured out, with the exception of Trent Williams, for whom they (still) wouldn’t have an answer for with these picks.
That final pick is something worth mentioning. Eli Heidenreich is someone I’ve seen a bit of this year, and all I think of is a younger, cheaper Deebo Samuel. Heidenreich can spell Christian McCaffrey when needed and also bring back the wide-back role Samuel made popular. Or at least increase its production. That pick makes so much sense to be on the 49ers based on what I’ve seen.
What do you think of this mock draft? Is Mesidor the edge the 49ers need?
Do you like Heidenreich?