2026 Draft Prospect Watch List and Discussion

Originally posted by Hoovtrain:

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by Hoovtrain:
All in on this guy

Michigan Edge Jaishawn Barham (from The Beast):
• Transitioned from linebacker to a boundary edge-rusher role in 2025
• Former Michigan LBs coach Brian Jean-Mary: "In terms of physical talent, he's one of the best I've ever been around."
• NFL scout: "I could barely get two… https://t.co/2R5nx4oqhS

— Al Karsten (@FootballGuy_Al) April 14, 2026

Starting SAM who is a Tasmanian devil vs the run. Brings the juice on those money downs. He would be used the same as Walker in ATL under Morris.

very similar measureables. they both have big 10+ mitts very twitchy and explosive his arms are a little longer as well. He's a little taller also, so I think there's some room to add more mass.

Krueger can be a little over the top at times, but said same thing

I could really see Jaishawn Barham to the #49ers in rd2. He's very similar to Jalon Walker, who Raheem Morris drafted in Rd1 last year in Atlanta https://t.co/APk4Xcbn8E

— Larry Krueger (@sportslarryk) April 16, 2026

Ugh don't make me agree with Larry lol. I can't stand him.

I saw that he was like 250 at his pro-day so he's even bigger than Walker

Originally posted by Ezekiel38:
Not when you're taking him with your first pick in the 1st round.

At 58 great I'll overlook the 40 - or even in a trade back to 35-40 I'll overlook the 40 as we get a couple additional picks to offset that risk.

At 27 - not overlooking the 40. If he could run sub 4.6 he'd have ran the 40. As a competitor I don't care what my agent says I'm running a 40 - unless I'm slow and I know it. What is the only reason an agent would not advise it? Because he will post a slow time. At least Avieon Terrell ran his 40 even though it showed his marginal speed in the 4.6s. Respect to him.

How many WRs have been drafted in the 1st round that ran a 4.6 or higher? He also has separation issues vs the better competition he played.

Boston is a mid-2nd round pick imo due to his speed.

Doesn't mean I don't like him as a player. I do. And would be very happy to draft him after trading back or at 58. If he's gone no big deal lots of other really good players to draft.

As a Niner fan if we draft him at #27 I'll support it only because he is a good player in general and helps our WR room. I actually hope we dont draft him and can see if I'm wrong and see where he actually ends up getting picked.

Would you rather have Boston at 27 or Stribling in the late 3rd after trading back to the early 2nd. Warming on Stribling just not at 58 after watching more and more of him esp blocking - dude looks and plays like Jennings but with some speed. Problem is cannot guarantee Stribling is there so could easily be gone and then you get no one and Boston (if they like him a lot) is sitting there at 27. Obv you trade back no matter what if an offer is there but if cannot trade back ... then Stribling is not an option unless falls to the 4th as he is not worth 58.

Dude you can see what he is or isn't on film. They have GPS. The 40 is more for show than anything. These guys practice running a 40 and will never lineup like that again. Tate ran a 4.53 and will go top 10. Tyson is probably going top 15 at worst and didn't do anything.

The shuttle, 3-cone, and other explosive metrics matter more than how fast you can run a straight line coming out of a track stance.

GPS >> 40

While everyone was focused on antiquated 40 times, the Rams saw Puka was one of the fastest players in the draft by GPS metrics. I'm pretty sure they used GPS stuff to identify Cooper Kupp, too.

Originally posted by Heroism:
GPS >> 40

While everyone was focused on antiquated 40 times, the Rams saw Puka was one of the fastest players in the draft by GPS metrics. I'm pretty sure they used GPS stuff to identify Cooper Kupp, too.

This. 40 became irrelevant once every player was GPSed.

Originally posted by Heroism:
GPS >> 40

While everyone was focused on antiquated 40 times, the Rams saw Puka was one of the fastest players in the draft by GPS metrics. I'm pretty sure they used GPS stuff to identify Cooper Kupp, too.

Agree on 40 vs GPS. but puka was a 5th round pick, it's not like they were ahead of everyone else

Originally posted by Hoovtrain:
Agree on 40 vs GPS. but puka was a 5th round pick, it's not like they were ahead of everyone else

I thought this video was cool to see the behind the scenes process for the Puka pick. They talk the testing vs their GPS MPH numbers for Puka. I can't imagine it's often that a head coach is this excited about a 5th-round pick. Also, it really highlights the importance of a GM and head coach working well together through the draft process. Snead was all about the evaluation, value and metrics while McVay had the football vision for Puka.

Originally posted by Ezekiel38:
Not when you're taking him with your first pick in the 1st round.

At 58 great I'll overlook the 40 - or even in a trade back to 35-40 I'll overlook the 40 as we get a couple additional picks to offset that risk.

At 27 - not overlooking the 40. If he could run sub 4.6 he'd have ran the 40. As a competitor I don't care what my agent says I'm running a 40 - unless I'm slow and I know it. What is the only reason an agent would not advise it? Because he will post a slow time. At least Avieon Terrell ran his 40 even though it showed his marginal speed in the 4.6s. Respect to him.

How many WRs have been drafted in the 1st round that ran a 4.6 or higher? He also has separation issues vs the better competition he played.

Boston is a mid-2nd round pick imo due to his speed.

Doesn't mean I don't like him as a player. I do. And would be very happy to draft him after trading back or at 58. If he's gone no big deal lots of other really good players to draft.

As a Niner fan if we draft him at #27 I'll support it only because he is a good player in general and helps our WR room. I actually hope we dont draft him and can see if I'm wrong and see where he actually ends up getting picked.

Would you rather have Boston at 27 or Stribling in the late 3rd after trading back to the early 2nd. Warming on Stribling just not at 58 after watching more and more of him esp blocking - dude looks and plays like Jennings but with some speed. Problem is cannot guarantee Stribling is there so could easily be gone and then you get no one and Boston (if they like him a lot) is sitting there at 27. Obv you trade back no matter what if an offer is there but if cannot trade back ... then Stribling is not an option unless falls to the 4th as he is not worth 58.

Is he running the 40 for you, or for NFL teams?

You say agent is advising player not to run. Im saying if it was a question that NFL teams wanted answered, and they told the agent we want him to run a 40 in order to draft him, then the agent will advise player to run.

Moral of the story: 40 yard dash has become nothing more than entertainment for fans.

Your stance about taking him at 35 with no 40 but definitely not at 27 honestly makes zero sense. You are saying its too risky without a 40....which means you already think hes slow....which means he looks slow on tape...which means the 40 time doesn't matter because either it proves what you alreadu know, or it is irrelevant because it doesnt translate to the field.

Originally posted by Heroism:
GPS >> 40

While everyone was focused on antiquated 40 times, the Rams saw Puka was one of the fastest players in the draft by GPS metrics. I'm pretty sure they used GPS stuff to identify Cooper Kupp, too.

Still should have run it like everyone else.

Weak sauce but hey that's just me I guess.

Puka was also drafted in what round...?? 5th?

Ok for sure give me Boston in the 5th round then I'll take that.

Originally posted by Hysterikal:

Originally posted by Heroism:
GPS >> 40

While everyone was focused on antiquated 40 times, the Rams saw Puka was one of the fastest players in the draft by GPS metrics. I'm pretty sure they used GPS stuff to identify Cooper Kupp, too.

This. 40 became irrelevant once every player was GPSed.

Ok then once the combine and pro days get rid of the 40 that pretty much all the WRs run and totally go by GPS data then I'll be on board with it being irrelevant. Not to mention everyone in here talks about the 40 times of players ALL DAY LONG and look how fast this guy is and that guy is etc etc. So miss me on it being irrelevant.

Im not drafting a WR with 4.6+ speed at #27. Could we not have just asked him to run a 40 for us when he visited us? Imagine being at a job interview which relies heavily on speed and saying no to a 40 that times your speed and just tell the interview hey just look at my gps not gonna do it.

Weak sauce. Hiding that he is 4.6+ guy since if he ran a 4.63 no way he goes in the 1st round. Mad respect to Aveion Terrell for running his 40 ... do you think his agent told him not to run?

Another question... if Boston ran his 40 and ran 4.65 like Terrell you still want him at #27? I wouldn't but Puka went 5th round with his 4.57 and Boston is slower but with more pedigree so yeah give me Boston in the 4th. Obv being facetious but Im trading back into early-mid 2nd of I was going to draft him and if he's not there who gives a ****. I can just go EDGE as there would be really good ones there for even better value than at 27 or can get a potential shutdown CB in Chris Johnson or an immediate starting G in Bisontis/Rutledge/Pregnon or a starting S in EMW or Haulcy or Stukes or Scott.

Originally posted by Ezekiel38:
Still should have run it like everyone else.

Of the 6 projected first round WR prospects, 3 ran the 40.

Originally posted by adrianlesnar:

Originally posted by Ezekiel38:
Still should have run it like everyone else.

Of the 6 projected first round WR prospects, 3 ran the 40.

Tyson didnt because of a hamstring injury. KC had a minor knee scope. What was Boston's injury excuse?

Tate ran it. Lemon ran it. Cooper Jr ran it. And KC from his film can easily tell he's not a 4.55 guy or worse and speed isnt one of the concerns about KC. One of Boston's red flags IS speed and also separation. Should be trying to assuage those concerns and not just say i dont have any injuries preventing me from running but hey just look at my gps.

Weak sauce.

And I still like him as a prospect. He may play faster than his slow 40 (assumed) would indicate but that bumps him down at least a half round for me.

Originally posted by Ezekiel38:
Tyson didnt because of a hamstring injury. KC had a minor knee scope. What was Boston's injury excuse?

Tate ran it. Lemon ran it. Cooper Jr ran it. And KC from his film can easily tell he's not a 4.55 guy or worse and speed isnt one of the concerns about KC. One of Boston's red flags IS speed and also separation. Should be trying to assuage those concerns and not just say i dont have any injuries preventing me from running but hey just look at my gps.

Weak sauce.

And I still like him as a prospect. He may play faster than his slow 40 (assumed) would indicate but that bumps him down at least a half round for me.

So still makes no sense. If his speed on a film is a red flag, why would a 40 time assuage your concern lol.

You drafting him to line up and run a 40?

Also, Lemon did not run at the combine. And speed is a concern. Effing coward.

Originally posted by 49ers808:
I know what positional value is. He used the words high impact. Big difference. Which is why I ended my post with it being maybe a poor choice of words.

Regardless; my point remains. I wouldn't pigeonhole myself in a draft to "positional value" positions in the first round because of math optimization. That's straight up stupid too me. It's football; end of day you want the best players on the field. I guarantee you that I'm not the only one who feels that way and the proof will be in the pudding next week Thursday when every one of those non "high impact" or non "positional value" positions, whatever you wanna call it, gets selected in the first round.

Why? Because this math equation is simple:
RB1 > (or is a better player than) Edge4
S1 > OT5
LB1 > QB2

You get my drift

Yes, I get the drift - instead of trying to find a competitive edge and construct a more talented roster with high value positions being employed for cheap, you wanna go with vibes and feels instead and treat each position as purely equal.

Then let me ask you - why did you exclude kickers and punters here ?

wouldnt P1 > QB2 and K1 > Edge4 according to your logic you outlined ?

Here's the funny thing - you excluded kickers and punters for the same exact reason we don't want to draft safeties and to lesser extent guards early. Positional value. It's just so absurdly obvious with kickers and punters (except for our front office and few others who draft them earlier than like 5th or 6th) that it cannot be denied.

Whats the point of drafting a punter early if you can just get one who is almost exactly the same for 1m dollars a year in free agency and pick someone else instead ? That same question goes for safeties. We drafted safeties in third and fourth round and they are playing worse than some vet safeties who could be had for dirt cheap. If we spent those picks on edge players we would be much better off asset and value wise.

Tayshon Gipson on his last legs, went from close to retiring to PS to our starter for two years ! Two ! Paid him a bag of peanuts. Who's the last edge we got in FA, paid him peanuts and were able to retain for several years while he was a productive starter? Kerry Hyder ? Lol

Originally posted by adrianlesnar:
So still makes no sense. If his speed on a film is a red flag, why would a 40 time assuage your concern lol.

You drafting him to line up and run a 40?

Also, Lemon did not run at the combine. And speed is a concern. Effing coward.

This. We all know he's not a straight line blazer. So why do you need to see the 40? You're not drafting him to be a burner. IMO he's a fluid route runner for his size. He's an alpha catching the ball and blocking. He can play the middle of the field and make contested catches. He's not just a straight up XWR. He's not my favorite WR or my top choice at pick 27 (you got me liking Lawerance there more and more). I wouldn't be upset with the pick at all though.

Originally posted by Heroism:
I thought this video was cool to see the behind the scenes process for the Puka pick. They talk the testing vs their GPS MPH numbers for Puka. I can't imagine it's often that a head coach is this excited about a 5th-round pick. Also, it really highlights the importance of a GM and head coach working well together through the draft process. Snead was all about the evaluation, value and metrics while McVay had the football vision for Puka.

The Rams are using some wild AI vision metrics and a guy who pops in their system is DT Kaleb Proctor. He reminds me of Kobie Turner.

we better be doing s**t like this

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by Ezekiel38:
Not when you're taking him with your first pick in the 1st round.

At 58 great I'll overlook the 40 - or even in a trade back to 35-40 I'll overlook the 40 as we get a couple additional picks to offset that risk.

At 27 - not overlooking the 40. If he could run sub 4.6 he'd have ran the 40. As a competitor I don't care what my agent says I'm running a 40 - unless I'm slow and I know it. What is the only reason an agent would not advise it? Because he will post a slow time. At least Avieon Terrell ran his 40 even though it showed his marginal speed in the 4.6s. Respect to him.

How many WRs have been drafted in the 1st round that ran a 4.6 or higher? He also has separation issues vs the better competition he played.

Boston is a mid-2nd round pick imo due to his speed.

Doesn't mean I don't like him as a player. I do. And would be very happy to draft him after trading back or at 58. If he's gone no big deal lots of other really good players to draft.

As a Niner fan if we draft him at #27 I'll support it only because he is a good player in general and helps our WR room. I actually hope we dont draft him and can see if I'm wrong and see where he actually ends up getting picked.

Would you rather have Boston at 27 or Stribling in the late 3rd after trading back to the early 2nd. Warming on Stribling just not at 58 after watching more and more of him esp blocking - dude looks and plays like Jennings but with some speed. Problem is cannot guarantee Stribling is there so could easily be gone and then you get no one and Boston (if they like him a lot) is sitting there at 27. Obv you trade back no matter what if an offer is there but if cannot trade back ... then Stribling is not an option unless falls to the 4th as he is not worth 58.

Dude you can see what he is or isn't on film. They have GPS. The 40 is more for show than anything. These guys practice running a 40 and will never lineup like that again. Tate ran a 4.53 and will go top 10. Tyson is probably going top 15 at worst and didn't do anything.

The shuttle, 3-cone, and other explosive metrics matter more than how fast you can run a straight line coming out of a track stance.

Boston knows how to use his size well is a good route runner and has some of the best hands in the draft. I mean he is 6 feet 4 in you cant expect him to run the same 50 as someone half a foot shorter he has plenty speed to get seperation and with his size and length that only adds to it .

The only reason i wouldnt be thrilled about Boston in first round is because we already have Evans and Boston will have a bit more of a limited role imo because he is an X WR. Before the Evans signed him he was one of my top choices. I dont think it will be a bad selection and i cant even imagine a RZ package with Boston and Evans on the outside. But i do think he brings limited value betweent he 20s early on although from a long term perspective this would be a good pick i just think there are players who can contribute more this year