The San Francisco 49ers seemingly decided there wasn’t a player they thought was worth taking in the first round.
The Niners traded away the No. 27 pick for the No. 30 pick and a third-round pick, then traded the No. 30 pick for a second-round and a fifth-round selection.
They added an extra three picks in exchange for a late first-round pick. The Miami Dolphins selected cornerback Chris Johnson from San Diego State at No. 27, and at the No. 30 selection, the New York Jets took wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
Going into the draft, the 49ers’ primary needs were edge rushers, offensive linemen, safeties and receivers.
Here’s the San Francisco 49ers’ grade following the first round:
49ers NFL draft grades
49ers do not pick in first round – Grade: C
The 49ers had other plans in mind rather than selecting a prospect with the No. 27 pick. Their grade after the first round should be a C. Not a fan of their lack of moves, but adding additional picks demands a “wait-and-see” approach.
They traded down to the No. 30 pick, owned by the Dolphins. Miami gave them the No. 90 pick in return. However, San Francisco didn’t stop. It traded down again, this time sending the No. 30 pick to the New York Jets for another two picks, a second-round and a fifth-round pick. Trading down wasn’t on anyone’s bingo card, but I’m not sure there was a player they wanted available that they couldn’t snag later. I guess the more picks, the merrier.
What’s next? Day 2 of 2026 NFL Draft
Next up, Day 2.
On the bright side, the 49ers will be pretty busy on Friday, which will consist of rounds 2 and 3. San Francisco has three total picks: No. 33 (from the Jets), its own No. 58 and No. 90 (from the Dolphins).
Here’s the complete list of 49ers draft picks on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft:
- Round 2, Pick 33
- Round 2, Pick 58
- Round 3, Pick 90
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 49ers NFL draft grades after first round