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Much has been made of the San Francisco 49ers' aging roster as the team prepares for the 2026 NFL season. While the core remains loaded with proven veterans, questions continue to grow about how long that group can keep the team's Super Bowl window open.
Sustained success in the NFL depends on consistently replenishing a roster with young talent, primarily through the draft. The 49ers have worked to do that in recent years, but with mixed results.
Those struggles have led some analysts to question the franchise's long-term outlook. ESPN's Aaron Schatz recently ranked every NFL team based on its under-25 talent, placing the 49ers at No. 27—a concerning sign for a team trying to remain among the league's elite.
The ranking does represent a slight improvement from last year, when San Francisco finished No. 30.
One of this year's draft picks, defensive end Romello Height, is already 25 and therefore doesn't factor into the ranking. At the same time, cornerback Renardo Green and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall have aged out of the under-25 category.
Still, there is some young potential on the roster.
"We'll begin on defense, with safeties Malik Mustapha and Marques Sigle," Schatz wrote. "They are both 24 years old. Nickelback Upton Stout is also 24, as is defensive tackle Alfred Collins. Last year's first-round pick, edge rusher Mykel Williams, turned 22 in June."
Schatz identified defensive end Mykel Williams as the 49ers' lone blue-chip under-25 talent. However, questions remain after his promising rookie season was cut short by a torn ACL.
"On offense, 23-year-old Connor Colby and 24-year-old Carver Willis will battle for the starting left guard position in training camp," Schatz continued. "Second-round rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling is 23. Backup running backs Kaelon Black and Jordan James are 24 and 22, respectively."
The 49ers weren't the only NFC West team to rank near the bottom of the list. The Los Angeles Rams finished last at No. 32. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks rank No. 8, and the Arizona Cardinals come in at No. 19.
H/t to Florito Maniego of NBC Sports Bay Area for the find.
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