NFL Draft Notebook: Perfect 49ers fit at WR, why Bryce Lance fits Chicago

It is hard to believe the NFL Draft is only hours away, which feels like Christmas Eve for draft fans. In this final edition of the 2026 NFL Draft Notebook, we break down the latest buzz, including a perfect fit for the 49ers' passing game, where the top player in the class could land, why the Bears may go back to the small school well, and several other names to watch as the draft kicks off. 

49ers draft target

Even after signing Mike Evans and Christian Kirk this offseason, the 49ers still don’t have a long-term answer at wide receiver. Evans is already 32, Kirk is only on a one-year deal, and Ricky Pearsall has dealt with injuries, leaving the position unsettled moving forward. That reality should push San Francisco to target a wide receiver early in the draft, likely in the first or second round. One name that fits what they do is KC Concepcion, whose ability after the catch and top-end speed align perfectly with the 49ers’ offensive system.  

Where could top player in NFL Draft land

The top player on my board is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, but the real question is where he lands. According to Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports, one team that could quickly add Love is the Washington Commanders. The fit makes sense as it would take pressure off Jayden Daniels, who is coming off a disappointing season, and create a strong tandem with Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who is coming off an impressive rookie year. He would also replace Chris Rodriguez Jr., who signed with Jacksonville this offseason. 

If Chris Bells slides in draft Chargers could be an option

A player who could fall in the 2026 NFL Draft is Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell, mainly due to a torn ACL that is expected to sideline him into training camp. There are also some maturity concerns, as he picked up three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties last season and has shown inconsistent effort as a blocker. If he does slip into the third round, the Los Angeles Chargers stand out as a strong landing spot after bringing him in for a visit. With the team still looking to add another weapon alongside KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Tre’ Harris, Bell’s size and playmaking ability could be worth the risk at that point in the draft. 

Texans showing interest in tight end

One goal for the Houston Texans in the 2026 NFL Draft is to add more depth at tight end behind Dalton Schultz. A player they are taking a close look at is Max Klare, who was named first-team All-Big Ten this past season and carries a third-round grade on my board. He fits what Houston needs as a receiver, totaling 94 receptions over the past two seasons, and in 2024 his 684 receiving yards ranked fourth among Power Four tight ends. 

Bears next small school draft pick

The Chicago Bears have made a habit of taking a non-Power Four prospect each year Ryan Poles has been their GM, and all but one of those picks has come from the FCS level. That trend could continue this year with Bryce Lance. Lance is an impressive athlete at 6-foot-3, 204 pounds with 4.34 speed, and he backed it up with production, earning FCS All-American honors this year and setting an FCS record with 17 touchdown receptions in 2024. Chicago could target the North Dakota State Bison standout in the third round. 

The Vanilla Gorilla

One of the more intriguing players in the 2026 NFL Draft is Wyoming offensive guard Caden Barnett, nicknamed the “Vanilla Gorilla,” and known for painting his face in a full John Randle-style look before games. Barnett earned second-team All-Mountain West honors this past season after making the move from offensive tackle to guard, and his traits make him an appealing developmental prospect. At 6-foot-4 with 33⅜-inch arms, he brings rare length for the position, along with good mobility and a quick burst off the ball. His wrestling background shows up in his leverage and hand usage and he projects as a Day Three pick who fits best in a zone-blocking scheme. 

The Patriots need a dynamic pass rusher

One of the biggest draft needs for the New England Patriots this year is to add at least one athletic, quick pass rusher to improve a unit that had the third-slowest average time to sack at 4.01 seconds. A player who would address that need in the second round, possibly at pick 63, or one the team could move up for, is R Mason Thomas. Thomas is a proven pass rusher, recording 15.5 sacks over the past two seasons, earning a 90.4 pass-rushing grade from Pro Football Focus, and showing the ability to easily turn the corner off the edge.

Virginia safety flying under the radar

A deep sleeper in the 2026 NFL Draft is Virginia safety Devin Neal, who is ranked as the No. 42 safety in the class by The Athletic. Despite that, his production and traits give him a real shot to stick as an undrafted free agent. He earned third-team All-ACC honors and posted an 87.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, the fifth-highest among Power Four safeties. He also tested well at Virginia’s pro day with a 4.45 40-yard dash and a 35.5-inch vertical, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are one team that has shown interest.

"The big thing that stands out for me and what I’ve always really liked about my game is I’ve been able to do many different things, “whether it’s cover a slot, cover a tight end, play a deep half, play a deep-middle third. Any type of scheme, any type of job you ask of me, I’m going to do it with no drop off no matter who I’m interacting with whether it’s a slot receiver, tight end or I’m taking on a tackle and have to set the edge. If it’s got to be done, I’ll do it and that’s been the biggest separator for me."

Devin Neal to Daily New-Record

Where does Ty Simpson land

While there is no doubt Fernando Mendoza will be the first quarterback off the board and likely the number one overall pick, the real question is where Ty Simpson hears his name called as the second quarterback selected. Look for that spot to be the Arizona Cardinals, who could trade up into the first round to land the Alabama signal-caller. 

Day Three tight end to watch

A tight end who will be a late-round pick but has intriguing upside is Seydou Traore. Despite not being invited to the NFL Combine, he is drawing plenty of NFL interest, largely due to his strong pro day numbers which included a 4.61 40-yard dash, a 40-inch vertical jump, and 25 reps on the bench press. He has also been productive, catching over 30 passes in each of his two years at Mississippi State Bulldogs, and in 2022 leading all Sun Belt tight ends in receptions and yards while finishing second in touchdowns during his time at Arkansas State.  

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