The San Francisco 49ers are in a transitional season. Yet, the team continues to win games and build a new defensive identity despite injuries that have forced depth players into significant roles. But it is never too early to imagine what the continuation of this rebuilding plan might look like.
With that in mind, we put together a seven-round mock draft for the 49ers, who this time would finally shift toward a policy of prioritizing the offensive line, aiming to rebuild a unit that has been neglected for quite some time.
21) Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The 49ers’ offensive line has been better in pass protection than expected, allowing only 19 sacks through Week 11, but Trent Williams will not play forever. And even with a philosophy that usually favors playmakers over offensive linemen, Kadyn Proctor would be a strong bet to succeed Williams eventually.
He has solid footwork and a refined technique, although he still needs to improve his mobility to reach a truly high-end level. Even so, he is a player with significant upside who can be moved around the offensive line whenever needed.
52) Parker Brailsford, OC, Alabama
For the current level of centers in the NFL, Jake Brendel is not nearly as bad as many fans believe, ranking 22nd in the PFSN Offensive Line Impact Meter, but the gap between an elite center and the league’s second tier is massive. And the 49ers may still regret passing on Creed Humphrey in 2021, when they drafted Aaron Banks instead.
Parker Brailsford is slightly undersized, but he brings excellent mobility and a strong blocking range, making him a solid fit for zone-running teams like the 49ers. Selecting two offensive linemen in a row would be unusual for this regime, but the opportunity here is too good to ignore.
85) Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
No one really knows when or how Brandon Aiyuk will return from his knee injury, and the 49ers may be ready to let Jauan Jennings walk in the upcoming free agency. With that in mind, drafting Omar Cooper Jr. at this stage would be a gift for the 49ers, who love adding skill players in the middle rounds.
Cooper has 740 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 11 games so far for Indiana, and he could be the type of receiver Kyle Shanahan would want on his roster to complement Ricky Pearsall, who should become the focal point of the position in the offense.
120) D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
The 49ers’ secondary remains a unit that needs improvement, and although it is currently the healthiest group on the roster, it still lacks depth in talent. As a team that does not seem overly concerned with smaller defensive backs, D’Angelo Ponds brings the aggressiveness and instincts that Robert Saleh wants in his defense.
Like Upton Stout, he may struggle with his size despite solid technique and could be targeted often, but given the team’s philosophy, he could be a schematic fit and a viable option in the slot.
138) Xavier Nwankpa, S, Iowa
Malik Mustapha has not looked the same since returning from injury, and Ji’Ayir Brown has been a liability in pass coverage. The safety group could definitely use more competition for the starting jobs, and Xavier Nwankpa is an intriguing bet thanks to his understanding of the position and his potential for a smooth transition to the pro level.
139) DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
Even after drafting two defensive tackles last year in Alfred Collins and C.J. West, the unit remains one of the thinnest on the roster. DeMonte Capehart’s skill set is centered on run defense. In this area, San Francisco has performed better this season despite the injuries, but adding more options remains an apparent necessity.
140) Boubacar Traore, EDGE, Notre Dame
Just like defensive tackle is a need, the edge rusher group is in solid shape with Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, along with Bryce Huff, who has played well, and Keion White, a promising addition acquired via trade. Still, the injuries this year proved that you can never have too many reliable edge rushers on the roster.
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Boubacar Traore already has 6.5 sacks this season for Notre Dame, plus one forced fumble, and he could work his way into the rotation or spend time on the practice squad while refining his game.
244) Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Drew Allar’s stock has never been lower. Once projected to be selected near the top of the first round, his 2025 season had been unproductive, and the injury that ended his year only hurt his draft profile even more. If he declares, he would be a low-cost gamble for the 49ers, who could move on from Mac Jones in the offseason.
