San Francisco, Su – May 4, 2025
The San Francisco 49ers selected a star wide receiver in the first round of a 2026 NFL mock draft, per sources, signaling a bold offensive upgrade. Projected for late April 2026, the pick addresses a lingering need after a 6-11 season. John Lynch’s choice aims to bolster Brock Purdy’s arsenal, Seth Trachtman, Yardbarker.
Purdy, 25, threw for 3,864 yards in 2024 but struggled without Deebo Samuel, traded to Washington. The receiver, a 6-foot-5 South Carolina standout, posted 571 yards and four touchdowns over two seasons, per ESPN. His track-star speed and one drop on 42 targets in 2024 signal elite potential, Pro Football Focus.
The selection, envisioned by Trachtman as a first-round splash, complements Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall. Kyle Shanahan’s scheme, averaging 20.7 points per game, thrives on dynamic targets. The receiver’s size dwarfs Jauan Jennings, offering Purdy a red-zone weapon, Matt Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area.
Lynch’s 2025 draft, graded A+ by CBS Sports, ignored offensive tackle, leaving Trent Williams’s successor unaddressed. The rookie’s $10 million, four-year deal fits the 49ers’ $22 million cap, strained by Purdy’s $50-60 million extension, OverTheCap. Christian McCaffrey’s return anchors the run game.
Risks abound. The receiver’s modest college output—37 catches in 2024—raises concerns about readiness, Trachtman, Yardbarker. Shanahan’s 2025 picks, like Mykel Williams, prioritized defense, leaving offensive line gaps, Chad Reuter, NFL.com. Lynch must draft tackles in 2026 to protect Purdy, pressured on 32% of dropbacks.
The pick aligns with Shanahan’s history of late-round gems—Kittle, Purdy. Puka Nacua’s cap warning about Purdy highlights cheap talent’s value, Sporting News. The receiver’s South Carolina roots echo Samuel, but his taller frame suits Shanahan’s evolving playbook, Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area.
Robert Saleh’s defense, bolstered by Williams, needs offensive support to reduce pressure on Nick Bosa. The 49ers’ 2025 draft, with 11 picks, bypassed offensive tackles like Kelvin Banks Jr., Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports. Lynch’s 2026 strategy must balance firepower with protection.
This selection could redefine San Francisco’s offense. If the star receiver harnesses his athleticism, he might emulate Samuel’s 2021 breakout, fueling Purdy’s 2026 push. A slow development risks stalling Shanahan’s attack, leaving the 49ers vulnerable in a stacked NFC West, Reuter, NFL.com.
