5 49ers We Need To See Take The Next Step In 2026

Training camp is upon us, and with the San Francisco 49ers, that unfortunately includes injuries, which have come in bunches to start camp.

Nonetheless, that provides an opportunity for younger players to step into bigger roles, and that feels like a theme for the 49ers in 2026.

While we’ve seen a couple of reunions and veterans being added in the offseason, there are still a ton of young players who should assume big roles in 2026 for the 49ers, with some getting a bigger opportunity than before.

So, who are five 49ers we need to see take the next step in 2026?

Honorable Mention: Ricky Pearsall

Pearsall would’ve easily been a candidate for this list, as the potential has been there through the first two years of his career. With how the 49ers’ wide receiver core was aligned, it felt like Pearsall and his separation ability were bound for big things this season.

Alas, the injury bug that has caused his career to halt several times has hit again, and the third-year pro is expected to miss the season due to surgery to repair his PCL injury. So, we move on.

CB Renardo Green

When it came to the 49ers’ secondary last season, many hoped to see Renardo Green trend in the right direction in Year 2 after being a second-round pick in 2024.

Unfortunately, it was an up-and-down game with Green, who was benched on a few occasions and even had trade rumors this offseason. But Green is back and with a projected starting spot this year, and the early reports have been good out of training camp.

The 49ers’ pass rush struggled last year, which ultimately had an effect on the secondary. But if Green can become more consistent, that solves a big issue on defense and could get the 49ers’ unit back to a Top 10 group.

LB Nick Martin

The 49ers added Dre Greenlaw to pair with Fred Warner at linebacker this offseason. But, as we’ve seen, injuries can happen, and they will need good depth at the position.

Insert Nick Martin, who struggled with injuries as a rookie himself after being a third-round pick by the 49ers in 2026. Martin has put himself in a position to start as the No. 3 linebacker for the 49ers in base packages this offseason, which would be a great outcome for the 49ers.

He’ll likely contribute on special teams, but if the 49ers can continue to get his development going into being a productive player, that’s a good sign in 2026.

LG Connor Colby

The 49ers’ offensive line was an above-average unit in 2026 with several above-average starters. But the one inconsistent piece was at left guard, where Ben Bartch went down early, and Connor Colby replaced him as a seventh-round rookie.

Naturally, Colby struggled a ton, which led to Spencer Burford being kicked inside to play left guard, and a rotation of Burford and Bartch later in the season.

Now, both the veterans are gone, and Colby is competing with free agent signees Robert Jones and Brett Toth at guard. Early on, it seems like he’s running away with the starting job, which is a good sign, but results now have to come on the field.

If he can be a serviceable left guard as a seventh-round pick, that’s great value for the 49ers. Playing next to Trent Williams should help that cause.

DE Mykel Williams

After going down with a torn ACL midway through last season, Mykel Williams is still ramping up this offseason as he recovers back to full strength.

The 49ers’ first-round pick in 2025 had some strong flashes as a rookie, showing improvements as a pass rusher while also being solid on the edge. He’s got all the physical tools and just needs reps to develop. Unfortunately, he won’t get many of those this offseason as he recovers, and the 49ers need him to play a big role this season.

San Francisco didn’t make any major additions on the edge, setting up Williams for a big role opposite Nick Bosa, and the 49ers drastically need improvements with their pass rush after ranking 32nd in sacks last year.

Bosa and Osa Odighizuwa should help that, but it’s clear they’ll need Williams to take the next step as they look to ascend to contender status once again.

RB Jordan James

On the tune of those young guys, the 49ers need second-year running back Jordan James to also take that next step this season. It’s not great that James suffered a rib injury on Day 1 of training camp, but the 49ers did not make any major additions at running back either this offseason, only adding Kaelon Black via the draft.

San Francisco has repeatedly said they want to manage Christian McCaffrey’s workload more this season, but you need a capable backup in order to do that. James seems like the No. 2 for the upcoming season.

Even if it’s just playing 15-25 percent of the offensive snaps, getting production from those snaps will be key for the 49ers, who saw their rush efficiency dip drastically last year.