Training camp hasn't even arrived, but some writers believe it's never too early to look beyond the 2025 season and project potential outcomes for the 2026 NFL Draft. Early mock drafts are less about predicting the future and more about highlighting perceived team needs as the season approaches.
Max Dorsey of Pro Football & Sports Network released a three-round mock draft, and his first-round selection for the San Francisco 49ers might surprise some members of The Faithful with a perceived greater need at offensive tackle. He has the Bay Area team bolstering its receiving corps by selecting Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson at No. 25 overall.
"The San Francisco 49ers have some significant questions at wide receiver," Dorsey wrote. "Deebo Samuel Sr. is now with Washington, and Brandon Aiyuk has been consistently critical of the team in public. San Francisco may be looking to upgrade at X, and Jordyn Tyson could be the ideal candidate."
The 49ers already invested a first-round pick in a wide receiver last year, selecting Ricky Pearsall, who is expected to take on an increased role in 2025. Pearsall and Jauan Jennings are likely to start Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks with Samuel gone and Aiyuk still recovering from ACL and MCL injuries sustained in October.
However, Jennings is entering the final year of his contract, and his future with the team remains uncertain, making the addition of another talented wideout a legitimate possibility. How Aiyuk looks when he is fully recovered could influence what the 49ers do with their top pick next year.
"Tyson's performance at Arizona State was fantastic last season, as he racked up over 1,000 yards," Dorsey added. "He isn't an athletic freak, but he has some of the best footwork in the country and consistently creates separation. That, combined with his hands and body control, makes him a reliable target, which San Francisco could use."
Tyson's breakout season has made him one of college football's fastest-rising prospects. Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently ranked him as the third-best wide receiver heading into the upcoming collegiate campaign.
According to Sports Reference, Tyson posted 1,102 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024, his second season with the Sun Devils.
"Tyson and Sam Leavitt form the best quarterback-receiver combo in college football heading into 2025," wrote the PFF team. "If Arizona State is going to repeat as Big 12 champions, it will likely be because of that duo."
Later in his mock draft, Dorsey has the 49ers selecting LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. in the second round, and finally addressing the offensive tackle position with Boston College's Jude Bowry in the third round.