As the 2026 NFL season approaches, the San Francisco 49ers are strategically addressing their defensive line needs. With the impending free agency of Jordan Elliott and Kevin Givens, who collectively contributed significantly to the team's defensive snaps in 2025, the 49ers are actively scouting for replacements. The organization appears to be prioritizing the NFL draft as a prime opportunity to acquire new talent, alongside potential free-agent signings, to maintain the strength of their defensive front under Raheem Morris's leadership.
49ers' Strategic Defensive Line Reinforcement
The San Francisco 49ers are proactively managing their roster as the 2026 season draws near, with a particular emphasis on fortifying their defensive line. The departure of key defensive linemen Jordan Elliott and Kevin Givens to free agency necessitates a strategic approach to finding suitable replacements. Both players were integral to the team's defensive scheme in 2025, accounting for a substantial portion of the defensive snaps. The 49ers' focus is now squarely on leveraging the upcoming NFL draft to identify and secure promising talent, complementing any potential acquisitions from the free-agent market. This forward-thinking strategy underscores the team's commitment to maintaining a robust and effective defensive unit under the guidance of defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, ensuring sustained competitive performance.
In their ongoing efforts to bolster the defensive line, the 49ers have initiated discussions with prospective players from the collegiate ranks. Notably, Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris has confirmed a meeting with the San Francisco organization. Harris, a highly-regarded recruit, brings a solid collegiate performance record from his four years at Ole Miss, where he accumulated 123 tackles, 5.5 sacks, three passes defensed, one forced fumble, and one interception over 52 games. This interest in a player of Harris's caliber highlights the 49ers' intent to develop new talent, especially considering their investment in interior defensive linemen like Alfred Collins and C.J. West in the 2025 draft. Utilizing a Day-3 pick on a player of Harris's imposing stature (6-foot-8, 330 pounds) could significantly enhance the depth and versatility of Raheem Morris's defensive unit, ensuring a formidable presence on the field for years to come.
Emerging Talent: Zxavian Harris in the 49ers' Sights
The San Francisco 49ers are actively scouting collegiate talent to replenish their defensive line, a critical area for the team's success. With Jordan Elliott and Kevin Givens set to enter free agency, the organization is casting a wide net, and promising prospects like Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris have emerged on their radar. Harris, a notable recruit with a strong performance history at the collegiate level, has already engaged in discussions with the 49ers. His potential addition represents a strategic move by the team to integrate fresh, impactful talent into their defensive scheme, ensuring a seamless transition and sustained strength in the defensive trenches. This proactive recruitment strategy is vital for maintaining the competitive edge of Raheem Morris's defensive unit in the challenging NFL landscape.
Zxavian Harris, a 22-year-old defensive lineman from Ole Miss, has garnered attention from the San Francisco 49ers as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft. Harris's impressive collegiate career saw him appear in 52 games over four years, where he recorded 123 tackles, 5.5 sacks, three passes defensed, one forced fumble, and one interception. A highly-rated prospect out of Germantown High School, his blend of size and on-field production makes him an appealing target for the 49ers. Despite having drafted two interior defensive linemen in 2025—Alfred Collins in the second round and C.J. West in the fourth—the 49ers recognize the ongoing need to develop a strong and deep defensive line. A potential Day-3 selection of Harris, a 6-foot-8, 330-pound player, could provide a valuable long-term asset to Raheem Morris's defensive system, adding significant power and versatility to the interior defensive line rotation.