A recent 2026 NFL mock draft has the San Fransico 49ers landing a star from this year’s scouting combine who would be a next-level addition to their defense ahead of next season.
The San Francisco 49ers are going to be an intriguing team to watch this week in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team dealt with countless injuries last season. Yet they still found a way not only to make the playoffs but also to win a game. It wasn’t a perfect year, by any means, as they fell short of their goal to win the Super Bowl. They also had to watch their NFC West rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, not only eliminate them from the playoffs but also go on to win the Super Bowl.A recent A to Z Sports 2026 NFL mock draft has San Francisco adding a player who put on a show at this year’s scouting combine. He would also help elevate a position group that could use an upgrade.
.@oregonfootball DB Dillon Thieneman put everyone on notice in at the Combine 💪 pic.twitter.com/dI2KcpIf3z
“Thieneman making it to 27 would have the 49ers doing cartwheels in my opinion. He went to the Combine and blew the doors off Indianapolis, but his years of tape at both Purdue and Oregon are why he's a first-round pick, in my opinion. I believe he can play multiple spots; he has range, ball skills, and can be a plus one against the run.” – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports NFL Draft analystDillon Thieneman was an immediate star in college football. He had an incredible freshman season at Purdue with six interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 106 total tackles. He transferred after his sophomore season and joined the Oregon Ducks. There, he showed he wasn’t just the best player on a bad Purdue team. He is a first-round-pick-type talent.
So seeing the 49ers land him in this mock draft isn’t a reach by any means. Some even believe he could end up being off the board earlier than this pick. Thieneman can play either safety spot. This would be perfect for a team like the 49ers, with no for-sure answer in stone for either spot at this time. The 49ers are hoping their free agency haul, headlined by wide receiver Mike Evans and multiple starters returning from injury, will help propel them into a big 2026 year. If they can also ace this pick and the 2026 NFL Draft, it would only increase their chances. Some may want to see the 49ers use this pick to prepare for the future. This would mean targeting a tight end, edge rusher, linebacker, or offensive tackle to replace an aging veteran in the near future. Instead, they add a starter at a spot that doesn’t have a proven contributor at this time.
Dillon Thieneman had a big game against WashingtonArguably the 2nd best in a stacked safety class pic.twitter.com/5oi29qehqa