Kyle Shanahan Explains Why Not All Rookies Will Make 49ers’ 53-Man Roster

Intriguing to hear.

Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The San Francisco 49ers added eight new players in the 2026 NFL Draft after entering with just six picks.

More bodies mean more competition for spots on the final 53-man roster. Ultimately, that’s a positive, as the biggest takeaway from the draft is the added depth and flexibility.

While not all of these picks are expected to make a long-term impact, they provide valuable competition and help strengthen the current roster ahead of the new season.

Kyle Shanahan admitted not all draft picks could make the final cut

Dec 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan leaves the field after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

It’s only late April, giving players roughly four months to integrate and prove themselves. Every pick will have a chance to show their value, though head coach Kyle Shanahan has acknowledged that not all will likely make the final 53-man roster due to the 49ers’ multiple additions in free agency.

"I'm always hoping that we got a chance that all these guys make the team. That's kind of the goal with all your draft picks," shared Shanahan with reporters on Saturday.

"You go in with six and you can find a way to get eight. If we can find eight guys to make our 53, you get a lot better. Now, I think starting with free agency, how free agency went, I think that's going to be a huge challenge.

"That's why you get in some spots and you're like, 'man, I really want to take this position.' But the best available here, I don't think could beat out who we have. Whether you want to get better or not at the position. It doesn't always show that way.

"And I think we really did good in free agency. So, I think it'll be a challenge for all eight of these guys to make our team. I think we have a chance for a couple guys possibly to start or have a chance to start.

"And I think a number of these guys can be a big part or have a chance to start two years from now when you have some unrestricted free agents that we lose.

"So overall, I hope all eight guys just contribute."

An abundance of competition across multiple positions is always a positive, and after dealing with numerous injuries last season, the organization now has further depth to rely on.

If similar injury struggles arise again, they’ll be better equipped to call up players from the practice squad to fill gaps quickly.