Key Takeaways for 49ers & Raiders Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft

ESPN draft analyst Benjamin Solak joined Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys to break down the biggest storylines surrounding the upcoming NFL Draft, with a focus on the San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders.

His insights paint a clear picture of a class defined by top-end talent, uncertainty in the middle, and aggressive team behavior at the top of the board.

One of the biggest takeaways for the 49ers’ NFL Draft approach centers on Trent Williams’ new deal.

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

More on the 2026 NFL Draft

According to Solak, that move shifts priorities: “I think it makes an early tackle less likely. By early, I mean round one.” While San Francisco could still address the position, he emphasized a developmental route instead.

“You’re more so hoping to get the developmental tackle spot right. Spend the pick in round three, see if you can strike gold.”

The expectation remains that the 49ers will draft a tackle—but not with the urgency previously assumed.

Zooming out, Solak highlighted what may define this year’s NFL Draft more than anything: a lack of depth. “Top-heavy is a very kind way of saying that,” he said bluntly.

Rather than a traditional deep class, this year features only a handful of elite prospects. That reality could trigger aggressive movement early:

“Teams will be aggressive, moving up to pick three, pick four, pick five, because they’re really limited in terms of actual blue-chip talent.”

With multiple teams holding extra first-round picks, the strategy becomes clear—package assets to secure one elite player rather than settle for two lesser ones.

On the Raiders’ side, the conversation revolves around quarterback Fernando Mendoza and the franchise’s long-term outlook.

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Solak was optimistic, projecting stability at the position: “We should feel good about Mendoza becoming an above-average starter in the league.”

While he tempered expectations of superstardom, he still sees a high floor: “You’re going to be able to set your watch to this guy for the next 10 to 12 years.”

He even placed Mendoza in the same general tier as Dallas’ Dak Prescott—a reliable, above-average starter.

However, Solak made it clear the Raiders’ NFL Draft work won’t stop at quarterback.

“There’s work to do on the defensive side of the ball. A lot of work to do on the offensive line,” he noted, pointing to roster holes that could shape their draft strategy.

Finally, despite calling this a weaker overall class, Solak pushed back on concerns about wide receivers.

“There’s just never going to be a bad wide receiver class ever again,” he said, citing the evolution of the college game. Even in a down year, he believes the position remains deep and productive.

In short, this NFL Draft will be defined by scarcity at the top, aggression from teams trying to secure elite talent, and calculated patience from teams like the 49ers looking to build for the future.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More NFL content from Sactown Sports

• Lynch: 49ers are ‘Really Excited’ About Trent Williams Deal
• Trent Williams, 49ers reach agreement on multi-year deal
• Raiders laying foundation for long-term success with young core
• Did the 49ers overpay for free agents this offseason?
• Matt Barrows on the 49ers’ Draft Plan & Positional Priorities

Upcoming NFL Offseason Schedule

• Thursday, April 23 – Saturday, April 25 – 2026 NFL Draft (Green Bay)
• Mid-May 2026 (TBD) – NFL Schedule Release
• May–June 2026 (TBD) – OTAs (Organized Team Activities)
• June 2026 (TBD) – Mandatory Minicamps
• Late July 2026 (TBD) – NFL Training Camps open

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