The 49ers are gearing up for a hectic afternoon on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. By Sunday, they had already made four picks on Saturday, all advancing to the fourth round.
The action is set to unfold quickly, as they have selections lined up at No. 127, 133, 138, and 139.
This positions them well to take control in the latter half of the fourth round—a round that has historically yielded standout players like Dak Prescott, Kirk Cousins, Brandon Marshall, Jared Allen, and Maxx Crosby.
As the 49ers look to strengthen their team, they have pressing needs in the secondary, offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive end. Here are some potential Day 3 gems they could consider.
Genesis Smith, Safety, Arizona
Smith stands tall at 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, showcasing impressive instincts and a keen sense for the ball. Over the last two seasons, he accrued four interceptions and 10 pass deflections, marking him as an intriguing prospect for Day 3.
His availability in the fourth round might raise eyebrows, primarily due to his tackling issues, as he recorded a 19.8% miss rate in 2025. That’s a bit concerning, but it seems more technical than a lack of talent. With the right coaching, he could hone those skills moving forward.
Kayden Curry, Edge, Ohio State
Curry had one starting season at Ohio State, but the question remains—did he tap into his full potential? He notched 66 tackles and 11 sacks, including 16.5 tackles for loss, which is pretty impressive.
Austin Barber, Tackle, Florida State
Barber is among the few true left tackle prospects this late in the draft, yet he has the versatility to switch to right tackle as needed. He’s a solid candidate for the 49ers’ swing tackle spot, potentially even more.
Standing at 6-6 and weighing 318 pounds, Barber also boasts an athletic background as a high school basketball player. He started 27 games against formidable SEC competition during his college career, and his Pro Football Focus score of 83.5, with a stellar 90.0 in run blocking, speaks volumes.
Deion Burks, Wide Receiver, Michigan State
At this stage of the draft, a player’s traits can be the deciding factor. Burks brings a blazing 4.3 40-yard dash time and impressive athleticism to the table. Did he consistently showcase that speed in practice? Not always. But with a skilled coach, his potential can be maximized.
While he lacks some physical measurements—just shy of 5-9—his technical skills as a slot receiver suggest he could become a valuable contributor. If he puts it all together, selecting him in the fourth round could turn out to be a steal.
