San Francisco 49ers Secure Core of 2026 Draft Class with New Signings
The San Francisco 49ers have taken a significant step in integrating their newest talent, announcing the signing of six of their eight 2026 draft picks to four-year contracts. In addition to the drafted players, the organization has bolstered its roster depth by signing seven undrafted rookie free agents, signaling a focused effort to build versatility and competition heading into the new season.
Breakdown of Signed Draft Picks
The 49ers’ recent signings span multiple positions, with a heavy emphasis on strengthening the receiving corps, the offensive line, and the defensive secondary. Each of these players brings a diverse collegiate pedigree to the Bay Area.
- De’Zhaun Stribling (WR): Selected in the second round (33rd overall) out of Mississippi, Stribling is a seasoned presence with 56 games of experience across Mississippi, Oklahoma State, and Washington State. He concludes his collegiate career with 216 receptions for 2,964 yards and 23 touchdowns. In his final season at Mississippi (2025), he started all 15 games, recording 811 yards and six touchdowns.
- Kaelon Black (RB): A third-round selection (90th overall) from Indiana, Black is a dual-threat back. Over six seasons at Indiana and James Madison, he amassed 2,595 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground, complemented by 528 receiving yards and six scores through the air. His standout 2025 campaign at Indiana featured 1,039 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
- Carver Willis (OL): A fourth-round pick (127th overall) from Washington, Willis provides size and stability to the offensive line. He earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors in 2025 after starting all 10 games he appeared in.
- Ephesians Prysock (CB): Also a fourth-round selection (139th overall) from Washington, Prysock brings a high-volume tackling ability to the secondary. Across four seasons at Washington and Arizona, he recorded 170 tackles, 21 passes defended, and two interceptions.
- Jaden Dugger (LB): Selected in the fifth round (154th overall) out of Louisiana, Dugger is a defensive playmaker. He earned First Team All-Sun Belt honors in 2025, a season in which he tallied 125 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss (TFL), and 4.0 sacks.
- Enrique Cruz Jr. (OL): The second of the fifth-round picks (179th overall) from Kansas, Cruz Jr. Is a veteran presence who earned All-Big 12 honorable mention honors in 2025 after starting 12 games.
Expanding the Roster: Undrafted Free Agents
Beyond the draft, the 49ers have identified several high-upside players to fill out their rookie class. These seven undrafted free agents provide critical depth across the defensive line, receiving corps, and special teams.
| Player | Position | College | Key Collegiate Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khalil Dinkins | TE | Penn State | All-Big Ten honorable mention (2025) |
| Bryson Eason | DL | Tennessee | 105 tackles and 4.5 sacks over six seasons |
| Wesley Grimes | WR | NC State | 1,121 receiving yards and 9 TDs in collegiate career |
| Mikail Kamara | DL | Indiana | First Team All-Big Ten honors (2024) with 10.0 sacks |
| Will Pauling | WR | Notre Dame | 1,753 receiving yards and 15 TDs across three schools |
| Jalen Stroman | S | Notre Dame | 148 career tackles and an interception returned for a TD (2025) |
| James Thompson Jr. | DL | Illinois | All-Big Ten honorable mention (2025) with 9.5 career sacks |
Key Takeaways for the 2026 Rookie Class
- Immediate Depth: By signing six of eight picks and seven UDFAs, the 49ers have quickly solidified the majority of their rookie intake.
- Versatility: The addition of multi-school transfers like Stribling and Pauling suggests the team values players who can adapt to different systems quickly.
- Defensive Aggression: The signing of Jaden Dugger and Mikail Kamara brings high-production tacklers and sack artists into the defensive rotation.
With the bulk of the rookie class now under contract, the San Francisco 49ers shift their focus toward training and integration. These newcomers will be expected to compete for roster spots as the team prepares for the upcoming regular season, bringing a mixture of raw athleticism and proven collegiate production to the organization.