49ers' Draft Strategy: Trading Down, Stocking Up

0:00On April 24th, the San Francisco 49ers dropped out of the first round in the 2026 NFL draft with two smart trades down. They started by swapping their 27th and 138th picks with the Miami Dolphins for 30th and 90th. Then they flipped 30th to the New York Jets for 33rd and 179th. General manager John Lynch said a couple key targets weren't there at 27, so they pivoted early. Those targets included past rushers like Ahim Mesador and Malachi Lawrence, plus receiver and return man K.C. concepts the own and safety Dylan Tiamman, all snatched up between 22 and 25. Lynch admitted they love K.C., who visited and hit it off at the combine, a dynamic playmaker they scouted heavy. Fans and analysts see this as classic 49ers draft savvy, stocking up on picks while filling edge rusher and receiver holes after short term. Reageant adds like Mike Evans and Christian Kirk. Lynch stayed tight lift on the full board, but the moves fit their knees without forcing

1:02bad value. Now they hold seven picks, including two seconds and a third for Friday, plus more later. Guys like past rusher Cassius Howe, a receiver, Denzel Boston, could be in play at 33 and they might trade back again. Coach Kyle Shanahan was shocked no one bit on backup quarterback Mac Jones Thursday, despite his five wins last year and just 3.6 million. Do. These trades keep the 49ers flexible, loading up for day two without panic moves, setting them up strong for the rest of the draft. I'm Corey with the story, that's your NFL News Today update, AI powered and always on.