The San Francisco 49ers' 2026 NFL Draft class is largely getting slammed by both fans and analysts alike, thanks almost entirely by the numerous reaches on players by general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan.
However, one particular member of the Niners' class is receiving almost universal praise: Oklahoma defensive tackle Gracen Halton, taken in Round 4 at No. 107 overall.
It wouldn't be surprising to look back at this year's class and recognize Halton as San Francisco's best get, another one of Lynch's late-round steals, although it'd be nice if he hit on a few early picks from time to time.
As it stands now, though, the rookie interior defender might already be challenging two incumbents on the depth chart.
Gracen Halton is already challenging Alfred Morris, CJ West on 49ers depth chart
While FanSided draft expert Mike Luciano wasn't a fan of the 49ers' cast of draftees either, he did point out the Halton selection as his favorite.
But it's what Luciano suggested for the first-year pro's role that should be intriguing.
@FanSided #NFLDraft expert Mike Luciano joins the chorus of other critics saying just how much the #49ers reached with nearly every one of their picks. 😖 pic.twitter.com/tM3WMKghEZ
— Niner Noise (@SFNinerNoise) May 1, 2026
Luciano liked Halton better than the Niners' day-three interior defensive draftee from a year ago, C.J. West, but even went as far to say how Halton might be an equivalent to fellow second-year pro Alfred Collins.
That's provocative. And possible.
Yes, Collins started rounding into form late in the season, but he's certainly not the proverbial sum of his parts as a complete defender, whereas Halton might be closer to that point.
With no one moving San Francisco's big-ticket offseason pickup, Osa Odighizuwa, off of one defensive tackle spot, Halton now has a chance to not only unseat West on the depth chart, but he might even challenge Collins for a starting gig.
While it'll take training camp to fully determine that, the fact the suggestion is already being discussed speaks measurably to just how good Halton might be.
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