Rookie Roles for San Francisco 49ers 2026 Draft Picks

San Francisco 49ers face a pivotal year as their 2026 rookie class battles for immediate impact and long-term roles. Will first-round pick De'Zhaun Stribling supplant Ricky Pearsall or Mike Evans, and is a breakout season on the horizon—or is the big-slot Jauan Jennings role his starting point? Brian Peacock breaks down Stribling’s speed, physicality, and versatility, weighing comps to DK Metcalf and Terry McLaurin and evaluating his odds at Z or X receiver, given the crowded 49ers wideout room.   Spotlight shifts to Texas Tech’s Romello Height as a potential designated pass rusher, Kaylin Black’s shot at the crucial RB2 behind Christian McCaffrey, and key battles for starting guard featuring Carver Willis and Connor Colby. Secondary additions like Ephesians Prysock and Jaden Dugger scramble for depth roles, while new faces aim to boost both the pass rush and special teams. Can these 49ers rookies transform into key contributors or just depth chart footnotes?   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.