49ers reportedly targeting Louisville receiver amid NFL Combine buzz
“The recent word here at the combine is that Bell is back in the conversation as a potential late first-round pick,” Pauline wrote. “The teams that I’m told are targeting Bell in this area are the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers. Both teams make sense, as the Broncos and Niners need receivers, and both have a history of selecting players early in the draft that fit their needs rather than going the route of conventional wisdom.”
Bell carries some risk, as he is recovering from an ACL injury that required surgery, sidelining him during pre-draft workouts.
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“At the Senior Bowl, I was told Bell should be able to take part in on-field/non-contact work this June and would be 100 percent soon after that,” Pauline reported, adding that Bell is ahead of schedule and expected to be fully ready for training camp.
Pauline also noted, “I also viewed videos of his recent workouts, which showed no ill effects from the knee injury.”
Five wide receivers 49ers could target with first-round pick in 2026 NFL Draft
“The body control he has is crazy,” Mendoza said Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine. “And I know people compare him to Deebo Samuel, and I believe Omar is a receiver by far more than a running back. That’s what I see, a prime Deebo Samuel.”
Cooper had 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns for the undefeated national champs. He is tough, a willing blocker and a guy who can be deployed in a number of different ways.”
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Five defensive backs 49ers could target with first-round pick in 2026 NFL Draft
“The 49ers demand that their cornerbacks get aggressive in the run game, and that will not be an issue with [CB Colton Hood]. At 6-foot, 193 pounds, Hood played stronger than he looks.
His press coverage skills would fit well with some of the new looks that defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is expected to bring to the 49ers.”
John Lynch likes the 49ers’ current offensive line, but says ‘we’ll add to it’
“Burford is hitting free agency, and Brendel thinks he will be a popular target for teams — just like guard Aaron Banks was last year.
Lynch knows he might need to add a left guard.
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“That’s probably one that we need to figure out,” Lynch said. “Burford is a free agent, and Bartch did have some foot surgery. He’s struggled to stay healthy. … He’s been pretty good when he’s played, and so we’ll see where that goes.”
And don’t count out Colby, a 2025 seventh-round pick out of Iowa with a first-round mullet.
“We were intrigued and excited at times with Connor Colby and the way he stepped in and played through some injuries,” Lynch said. “And I thought we responded really well. Far from perfect, but he showed he could play in our league.”
Behind the Curtain: Oklahoma DT Gracen Halton (Paywall)
“But there are some physical limitations that worry me specifically with his rush style. I think he’s a guy that needs to have a pretty clear-cut role as a rookie, and I think his career success will largely be determined by how he’s utilized and who he’s coached by.
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I looked at his tape against Michigan and Tennessee, and frankly, there’s not a ton to parse from the Michigan stuff because of how much quick game they used.”
49ers meet with dynamic receiver at NFL Combine
“According to Chase Senior of Chat Sports, the San Francisco 49ers met with former Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
“Really dynamic with the ball in his hands after the catch,” Senior wrote. “He said his biggest strength is separation. The 49ers WR room really struggled with that in 2025.”
NFL announces 2026 salary cap set at $301.2 million
“Based on the new cap and data from OverTheCap.com, the San Francisco 49ers currently have an estimated $38.9 million in available cap space. That total could still change as teams finalize adjustments, restructures, and carryover from the 2025 season.”
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Report: 49ers special teams contributor expected to draw interest from others “Robert Saleh was complimentary of Lucas last season — calling him ‘invaluable’ at one point — so the Titans would likely be interested,” Garafolo noted.”
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