The San Francisco 49ers punted the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, trading away their pick to add more selections in the later rounds.Enter, Day 2. The Niners have three selections on Friday, two in the second round (No. 33 and 58) and one in the third round (No. 90). 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that he views trading out of the first round a good move."The guys that we would've taken at 30 are still there," Shanahan said. "I look at that as a huge success to move back to 33, and you would've taken those guys at 30.""The guys that we would've taken at 30 are still there.
I look at that as a huge success to move back to 33, and you would've taken those guys at 30."Kyle Shanahan on why the 49ers decided to move back again after trading the 27th pick pic.twitter.com/4Nmn2jBQA2— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) April 24, 2026After their first round decisions, it's a matter of whether they will choose to make those later round picks or trade them for other assets or future picks. However, it goes, the Niners need to address their defensive edge position, offensive line, defensive secondary and receivers. Although some positions require more attention than others.There are still available players at the positions the 49ers need.
Here are some of the best remaining players in the draft. Best Players available after Round 1 of the 2026 NFL DraftHere are the best players still on the draft board, according to USA TODAY Sports' Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz. See his full list here.11.
Jermod McCoy, CB, TennesseeA torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last January kept McCoy out of commission for all of last season and clouded his pre-draft process. But in a stellar pro day showing, the 6-1, 188-pound corner served up a reminder that he has all the trappings of a top-tier cover man. With superlative ball skills and ample tools to stick with receivers throughout their routes, McCoy can grow into a standout in any defensive scheme.19.
Denzel Boston, WR, WashingtonSome will see a 6-4, 210-pound body and assume Boston relies on pulling down jump balls in close quarters. But while tilting those throws in his favor is his best feature, it's far from his only one. Boston has impressive fluidity for a player with his physical make-up, and his tracking and midair adjustments make him an even more confounding coverage assignment.20.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, ToledoThough he might not be an all-around coverage maven, McNeil-Warren is comfortable exerting his will from several different vantage points. He rallies to the ball in a hurry in run support, working his way through traffic to deliver big hits. And though his 6-4, 201-pound build limits his comfort zone in coverage, he can give both quarterbacks and receivers pause on attempting any throws over the middle.23.
Colton Hood, CB, TennesseeWith McCoy sidelined, Hood did a commendable job of filling in as the Volunteers' primary asset in coverage. The Colorado transfer kept the competitive juices flowing in shutting down tight-window throws as well as making his presence felt against the run. He can't match McCoy in overall fluidity, but he still sizes up as a meaningful counter in man coverage for bigger receivers.26.
Avieon Terrell, CB, ClemsonThe brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell has a preternatural feel for when to take a calculated risk to make a play, either in coverage or as a tackler. His modest physical tools mean he has to stay glued to receivers, but Terrell is typically up to the task, though there's only so much he can do to hold up against bigger-bodied targets.32.
Zion Young, DE, MissouriWhile some edge rushers avoid contact at all costs, Young is happy to seek it. The 6-6, 262-pound defensive end relishes engaging with blockers before dispatching them. The next step in his development hinges on discovering more counter moves, but Young shouldn't have trouble finding a home in a league that's skewing toward rushers who can convert speed to power and set a firm edge.33.
Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&MA steep jump in quality of competition didn't slow the Bowling Green transfer, who became the SEC Defensive Player of the Year by consistently turning the corner on some of college football's best offensive linemen. While he's most comfortable bending around edges, Howell isn't afraid to work back inside when an offensive tackle overcommits. His short arms and lack of anchor against the run could be disqualifying for some teams, but any defensive scheme that places a premium on creating havoc should be able to find a place for him.35.
CJ Allen, LB, GeorgiaSeldom fooled by misdirection, Allen can be counted on to make the right calls for himself and those who stand alongside him on defense. His role might top out at finishing plays rather than making them, though, as he's merely serviceable in block deconstruction and doesn't offer much in man coverage.37. D'Angelo Ponds, CB, IndianaSize concerns might be enough to dissuade some decis