Players falling in the NFL Draft is a yearly tradition, Niner Noise looks at five prospects the 49ers should consider if they slide towards them at (or close to) pick No. 27.
One of the hallmarks of the NFL Draft is the draft slide: the player whom people thought would be picked much earlier, but for one reason or another, just slides down the board to be picked later than expected.
Read More: Mock draft roundup: Who the experts have the 49ers taking at No. 27
The San Francisco 49ers are in an interesting spot. At No. 27, they're in a good spot to take a draft slider, even if the draft this year isn't considered an amazing class.
But who are some players who could slide back far enough to No. 27 (or close enough that the Niners could make a conceivable move up the board)?
Let's take a look at five candidates.
Olaivavega Ioane, Guard, Penn State
Offensive tackle is seen a huge need on San Francisco's offensive line, but the team needs to find a left guard, too. Good blocking is a priority for the 49ers, no matter where on the line it is.
Olaivavega Ioane is seen as the best pure guard on the board and a potential top-20 selection, but the lack of positional value at guard could see him slip.
Ioane would be a Week 1 starter and a safe selection.
Kenyon Sadiq, Tight End, Oregon
Tight end isn't a pressing need in and of itself, but there's no rule that says the Niners can't add another weapon for Brock Purdy and prepare for the future after George Kittle.
Kenyon Sadiq is a great talent but without any set obvious home who could move into the 20s.
Sadiq had 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns for Oregon last season, demonstrating excellent receiving ability and showing himself to be an underrated run blocker, too. The 49ers need weapons, they need blocking and they need a Kittle heir.
It makes so much sense.
Avieon Terrell, Cornerback, Clemson
San Francisco has a great boundary corner in Deommodore Lenoir and a promising young nickel corner in Upton Stout, but it needs to find more consistency with the No. 2 boundary corner.
Avieon Terrell is someone who could be in play.
Terrell had 48 tackles with four forced fumbles, a sack, and nine passes defended for Clemson last season. He's a fast cover corner who plays taller than his 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame indicates. However, Terrell hasn't been able to participate in the draft process due to injury, which has knocked him down a bit, although he will be doing private workouts.
Monroe Freeling, Offensive Tackle, Georgia
Monroe Freeling is a bit of an enigma in a weaker tackle class. He has left tackle potential and has been mocked as high as No. 6 and as low as No. 24 in mock drafts. If it ends up being closer to the latter, the 49ers could easily move up a few picks and nab a player who could fill a pressing need.
At 6-foot-7, 315 pounds, Freeling has good size and performed well for Georgia. It feels like he should be the first tackle off the board but just hasn't been able to nab that sort of momentum.
Dillon Thieneman, Safety, Oregon
Dillon Thieneman is a common mock to the Minnesota Vikings, but if the Norsemen look in a different direction, then seeing him be available at the Niners pick isn't out of the question. The 49ers need secondary help all over.
Thieneman transferred from Purdue to Oregon in 2025 and had a quality season that saw him shoot to first-round consideration with 92 tackles, two interceptions, five passes defended and one sack. The 6-foot-0, 200-pound safety can play either safety position, has made some big plays, and is good in run support also.