The San Francisco 49ers hosted nearly 50 NFL prospects at their annual local pro day. Bay Area ties took center stage as they scouted talent ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Held at the SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara, the workout gave players with local roots—by hometown or college—a direct shot at impressing the coaching staff and front office. Fans across Marin County and the North Bay got a glimpse of how the organization is reshaping its staff and draft boards.
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Bay Area Pro Day Brings Bay Area Flavor to the 49ers Draft Prep
The 49ers’ local pro day really leaned into Bay Area connections. Prospects showed up from places like San Rafael, Mill Valley, and Novato, and there were plenty of graduates from Stanford, Cal, and San Jose State.
Players took part in on-field drills and had chances to meet coaches and decision-makers during this busy draft evaluation stretch. Newly added and restructured coaches joined in, giving fans a look at the updated staff in action.
Defensive leadership stood out, with Raheem Morris, defensive coordinator, and Matt Eberflus, assistant head coach (defense), working right on the grass. Leonard Hankerson, passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach, and Jerry Gray, defensive passing game coordinator, also got in on the action.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch watched closely, making it clear the team is serious about this draft run-up. For Marin County fans—whether in San Rafael’s neighborhoods, Mill Valley’s downtown, or along Sausalito’s waterfront—it was a rare peek into the 49ers’ process.
On-Field Evaluators
- Raheem Morris — Defensive Coordinator
- Matt Eberflus — Assistant Head Coach (Defense)
- Leonard Hankerson — Passing Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach
- Jerry Gray — Defensive Passing Game Coordinator
- Kyle Shanahan — Head Coach
- John Lynch — GM and President of Football Operations
Draft Context and Local Ties
The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23–25 in Pittsburgh. That date hangs over every move the 49ers make as they look to add depth and versatility.
San Francisco currently holds six picks, including the No. 27 overall selection in the first round. The local pro day gives them a shot to evaluate undrafted free agents and late-round options who could go unnoticed on draft weekend.
Prospect Pool and Regional Schools
Prospects covered offensive, defensive, and specialist positions. Regional colleges like Stanford, California (Cal), San Jose State, and Fresno State were all represented.
The group included WRs, QBs, TEs, O-linemen, D-linemen, linebackers, cornerbacks, safeties, and specialists. For Marin County readers, it’s always fun to see players from nearby campuses—or schools just a short drive from Novato or San Rafael—possibly turning into household names soon.
Marin County Spotlight: Local Fans and Local Players
Marin County’s connection to this pro day runs deeper than just a map. From San Anselmo to Ross, fans know this area loves football, and the event built a real link between our communities and the NFL action in Santa Clara and Pittsburgh.
Local businesses along the Larkspur Ferry routes and in downtown Mill Valley probably felt the energy of a Bay Area showcase that puts Marin-grown and Bay Area-tied talent in the national spotlight.
A Local Look: Marin Towns Tied to the Bay Area Talent
- San Rafael — This town’s a longtime sports hub. Fans here follow every step of Bay Area prospects.
- Mill Valley — There’s a strong youth pipeline here. Folks gather for weekend watch parties during spring pro days.
- Novato — Novato boasts a growing roster of high school programs. Those teams keep feeding talent to regional colleges.
- Tiburon, Corte Madera, Ross — These communities rally around Marin athletes who catch eyes at pro days.
- San Anselmo, Sausalito — Scenic and proud, these towns show that local pride actually matters in late April football.
The 49ers are finalizing their draft board. Marin County’s watching closely to see how those Bay Area ties shake out.
That pro day in Santa Clara wasn’t just another drill. It reminded everyone that our backyard still shapes the national grid of NFL talent.
If you’re in San Rafael or nearby, these early stages of the 2026 draft feel exciting—there’s this sense that the 49ers are chasing depth and versatility, and honestly, that Bay Area flavor sets our region apart.
Stick around for more updates on the staff, the 49ers’ draft plans, and which local standouts might just break through for Marin County and the greater Bay Area this season.
Here is the source article for this story: 49ers Continue Draft Prep with 2026 Local Pro Day
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