49ers Rookie Minicamp UPDATES and ESPN Projections for 2026

Rookie minicamp buzz electrifies San Francisco as explosive newcomer Romello Height draws rave reviews for his standout get-off and high-octane athleticism on the 49ers’ defensive line. Kelon Black’s unexpected pass-catching ability and special teams potential also turn heads, fueling speculation about his evolving role behind All-Pro Christian McCaffrey. Meanwhile, intriguing debates surround De'Zhaun Stribling’s development, with social media dissecting every drill and his apparent need to carve out a niche on special teams amid a stacked receiver corps.   ESPN’s 2026 projections add another layer, stirring conversation about whether 49ers rookies will make an immediate impact or await their chance in the shadows of veterans like Mike Evans, George Kittle, and McCaffrey. Can Romello Height break into crucial third-down packages? Will Black challenge Jordan James for running back reps? Get the latest reactions, bold predictions, and insights on San Francisco’s evolving roster, plus what it all means for Kyle Shanahan’s high-powered offense and Kris Kocurek’s demanding defense.   San Francisco 49ers fans are treated to daily news and analysis with Locked On 49ers, hosted by football analyst Brian Peacock and former NFL/AFL cornerback Eric Crocker.   Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-49ers/   Locked On NFL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nfl/   Follow Brian Peacock and Eric Crocker on Twitter, where they’ll be sharing the latest news about the Niners and talking with fans. Twitter: twitter.com/BDPeacock, twitter.com/eric_crocker   Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!   TurboTax This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.   Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.   Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.