San Francisco’s receiver depth chart has undergone quite a lot of changes up to now this offseason. More could possibly be coming in the shape of a Brandon Aiyuk trade or release, though nothing has been finalized on that front.
With Aiyuk not expected to be back within the fold and Jauan Jennings destined to sign elsewhere in free agency, the 49ers will likely be led on the WR spot by Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in 2026. Evans’ pact essentially consists of a one-year commitment by way of guaranteed money, while Kirk’s only covers next season. Taking a wideout in next week’s draft would thus be a feasible approach on the a part of general manager John Lynch and Co.
“I don’t find out about early, but we’re definitely within the business of adding good players,” Lynch said (via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner) when asked about adding a rookie receiver. “I feel at that position, the way in which these guys [are getting paid], it’s probably healthy business to try so as to add them as much as you may in these drafts.”
The 49ers have veteran Demarcus Robinson in place along with Evans and Kirk, but otherwise their WR depth chart is lacking in experience. Ricky Pearsall, Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing are among the many younger players within the fold for San Francisco. Making one other draft investment would add further depth to the combo while allowing for one or each of Evans and Kirk to get replaced in 2027.
The 49ers’ top selection is No. 27. They’re certainly one of several teams which has hosted Denzel Boston on a pre-draft visit, although the Washington product might not be on the board by that time given the pre-draft buzz surrounding him. San Francisco’s other options at this point consist of a second-round pick and 4 within the fourth round. Using certainly one of those selections on a wideout could allow the team to reap the benefits of the perceived depth on the position while leaving round one for more immediate roster needs.