How RB Kaelon Black epitomizes 49ers' 2026 NFL Draft strategy

General manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan have crafted 10 NFL draft classes together since the pair joined the 49ers in 2017, but perhaps none has been scrutinized as much as their 2026 group. On this episode of "49ers Talk," Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan break down San Francisco's draft strategy, and how the team valued its heavily researched prospects despite outsiders viewing them as reaches. -- (1:00) How Matt, Jennifer are processing the draft (2:30) 49ers' draft board didn’t match analyst mocks (7:00) Breaking down perception of a ‘reach’ in the NFL draft (14:00) Marrying skills, tape to a system more important than draft stock (23:00) Deep dive into third-round pick, Indiana RB Kaelon Black (38:00) Noteworthy UDFAs signed by 49ers Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 49ers concluded the 2026 NFL Draft early on Saturday with their eighth and final selection in the fifth round. On "49ers Talk," Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan break down all eight selections and what they bring to their respective position groups. Can the last two draft classes combine to bring a successful recipe of youth and experience that can propel this roster towards their championship aspirations? -- (1:00) 49ers add a total of eight players in this draft (2:00) Public perception might not match how the team feels about their picks (8:00) WR De'Zhaun Stribling fits the bill on all measurables (12:00) Breaking down EDGE Romello Height (18:00) A lot of the players the 49ers took are high-character guys (21:00) RB Kaelon Black was a controversial pick publicly (26:00 OL Carver Willis was the first offensive lineman taken off the board (30:00) Quick break down of remaining Day 3 selections Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 49ers remained active on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, but this time they finally selected players. In the process, San Francisco also said goodbye to linebacker Dee Winters in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys. On this episode of '49ers Talk,' Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan break down the additions of wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, edge rusher Romello Height, and running back Kaelon Black. Later, Matt and Jennifer look ahead to Day 3 of the NFL draft, where the 49ers begin with five picks, and debate where San Francisco will add to their roster next. -- 1:00 Breaking down Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft 4:00 Shanahan, Lynch confident, convicted in picks despite surprises 8:00 Analyzing 49ers' De’Zhaun Stribling pick at No. 33 17:00 Recapping the Romello Height pick at No. 70 22:00 Lynch, Shanahan stayed true to their draft board 29:00 What’s the best-case scenario for Kaelon Black? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It was an intriguing first day for San Francisco at the 2026 NFL Draft after the 49ers traded out of the first round to acquire more draft capital. Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan recap the 49ers' Day 1 deals and recap the draft's biggest surprise so far. Then, they discuss why John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan are in a perfect position at No. 33 entering Day 2 before Rod Brooks joins the show to break down the best prospects still available. -- (1:00) 49ers trade back to acquire draft capital (3:00) Which players were 49ers targeting that were gone before No. 27? (6:00) What was the biggest surprise from Day 1? (11:00) 49ers' biggest area of need entering Day 2 (20:00) Which positions should 49ers address in second, third rounds? (30:00) Will John Lynch make more trades on Day 2? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Following several months of negotiations, Trent Williams and the 49ers reached an agreement on a contract extension that stabilizes their biggest question mark heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. The move shows a clear commitment from both sides to maximize a championship window, while locking in a locker-room leader and addressing a premium roster position. On this episode of "49ers Talk," Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan discuss how re-signing Trent Williams impacts the organization and how it might shift San Francisco's draft strategy. Also, they discuss the start of San Francisco's offseason program, Brock Purdy's excitement at playing with an elite wide receiver in Mike Evans, and Matt's final mock draft pick for the 49ers. -- (0:00) Trent Williams contract saga ends with two-year extension (17:00) Matt’s final mock draft pick: 49ers need an athletic marvel who can impact the game in pass rush (22:00) How NIL is affecting the NFL draft (29:00) John Lynch hints at how the 49ers might navigate Brandon Aiyuk’s roster situation (34:00) Brock Purdy’ shares how he found out the 49ers were signing Mike Evans (38:00) Why it wouldn’t be shocking if the 49ers picked a WR with the No. 27 pick Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan discuss the intriguing prospects that have visited the 49ers facility and where they might fit on San Francisco’s roster. Can John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan continue to find talent and value in the later rounds? Matt and Jennifer break down the players that the 49ers brought in for top-30 visits to analyze what it says about their strategy. -- 1:00) What to expect in the 2026 NFL Draft (6:30) San Francisco’s history of finding real talent and value in the middle to late rounds (8:30) Analyzing 49ers top-30 visits and what it says about their draft stategy (20:30) Why 49ers could use one of their first two picks on a safety (23:30) Can 49ers find an edge rusher to complement Nick Bosa? (39:00) Addressing Dianna Russini, Mike Vrabel controversy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On "49ers Talk," Matt Maiocco sits down with NFL Draft expert Field Yates to analyze intriguing prospects the 49ers could target, starting with the No. 27 pick. Matt and Field break down San Francisco’s biggest positions of need and best fits. Could San Francisco draft Trent Williams’ eventual replacement? Field Yates weighs in. Later, Jennifer Lee Chan also joins Matt to discuss San Francisco's signing of former Bengals defensive end Cam Sample as well as her take on where the 49ers might go with the No. 27 pick. -- (0:00) Buzz around 2026 NFL Draft is ramping up (5:00) 49ers sign former Bengals defensive end Cam Sample to a one-year deal (18:00) Interview with ESPN's NFL Draft expert Field Yates (31:00) The offensive linemen Yates believes might still be on the board at No. 27 (45:00) What EDGE prospects could the 49ers realistically take with the No. 27 pick (50:00) Could the 49ers take a safety in the first round -- if not, where are their fits in later rounds? (52:00) The 49ers have had multiple WR top-30 visits, is it a smoke screen or are they really interested in WR at No. 27? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 2026 NFL Draft is just over two weeks away, but the 49ers already are on the clock. On this episode of "49ers Talk," co-hosts Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan discuss if San Francisco would consider a compelling draft trade scenario that would see a quarterback-needy division rival moving up late in the first round and the 49ers acquiring much needed draft capital in return. Later, Matt and Jennifer touch on Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings Jennings' NFL futures and we hear from a couple of local Bay Area NFL prospects that participated in the 49ers' local Pro Day at SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara. -- (0:00) 49ers offseason program is on the horizon (1:00) All players' participation in 2025's offseason program made a difference (5:00) Purdy and Jones expected to be there, will Trent Williams be in attendance? (12:00) Matt Maiocco’s 49ers draft trade scenario with the Cardinals (23:00) Aiyuk and Jennings' NFL futures (30:00) Texas TE Jack Endries interview from 49ers local Pro Day (40:00) Arkansas CB Julian Neal is an SF native, he’s the first San Francisco public school Division 1 scholarship player since 2001 (45:00) Julian Neal Interview from 49ers local Pro Day Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Three of the 49ers' top brass spoke publicly this weekend at the NFL Annual League Meeting in Phoenix, and each confirmed San Francisco has positioned itself strongly ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. On this episode of "49ers Talk," co-hosts Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan discuss the most important takeaways from general manager John Lynch, coach Kyle Shanahan, and owner Jed York's press conferences with the media. From player health and safety to savvy free-agent deals and trades, Matt and Jennifer asses how San Francisco's offseason work thus far can propel them into next season. -- (2:00) Trent Williams contract heading in right direction (6:00) A look at Brandon Aiyuk’s future (10:00) 49ers taking players' health and safety seriously (13:00) Jed York wants to keep Lynch and Shanahan for a long time (20:00) What will CMC's role look like in 2026? (26:00) Discussing Raheem Morris' defensive scheme (35:00) 49ers aren’t thrilled about starting the season in Australia (40:00) 49ers factor history of health in free-agent signings Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It has been less than a month since the NFL's new league year began, but its been quite a busy offseason for 49ers general manager John Lynch. Now, with the dust settled at the 2026 Annual League Meeting, Lynch appeared with local Bay Area media to offer his assessment on the San Francisco's offseason thus far and the NFL Draft not far ahead. On this episode of '49ers Talk,' co-hosts Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan, also in attendance for the league meetings in Phoenix, break down Lynch's updates on Trent Williams' contract negotiations, how San Francisco has addressed the substation theory as well as overall player health, and details on their vision for Mike Evans in Kyle Shanahan's offense -- among many other topics. -- (1:00) 2026 NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix (10:00) GM John Lynch optimistic on Trent Williams' contract negotiations  (15:00) The 49ers had a vision for Mike Evans in the offense (17:00) Reaction to the 49ers' substation theory, how they've poured into resources for player health (14:30) Health updates/rehab timelines for Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, George Kittle (16:00) Health and wellness team will be challenged this season with all the international travel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.