The San Francisco 49ers appear poised to part ways with veteran wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk continues to rehab from the ACL and MCL injuries he sustained in October 2024. The team reportedly grew frustrated with Aiyuk for missing offseason rehab appointments and ultimately voided his guaranteed 2026 money, signaling the likely end of his tenure in red and gold.
In the latest seven-round 2026 NFL mock draft from Pro Football and Sports Network, Ian Cummings has the 49ers projected to make several key moves, including potential trades (based on the predicted selections).
To start, Cummings has San Francisco using its first-round pick on a potential Aiyuk replacement, selecting Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell with the No. 23 overall pick.
"Between Brandon Aiyuk's impending split from the 49ers, Ricky Pearsall's struggles to catch on, and Jauan Jennings' trepidatious contract outlook, San Francisco could be nearing a complete restart at the WR spot," Cummings wrote. "Chris Bell can help catalyze that kind of rebuild.
"At 6'2″, 225 pounds, with over 32″ arms, Bell has the size, contact authority, and uber-explosive RAC profile that Kyle Shanahan craves. But his keen zone intelligence and domineering catch-point skills have helped him field comparisons to A.J. Brown."
This season, Bell has tallied 72 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns through 11 games, all career highs.
In the second round, the 49ers are projected to shift focus to defense, selecting Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks with the No. 55 overall pick.
"If Caleb Banks declares for the 2026 NFL Draft, his outlook is uncertain," Cummings wrote. "But there's no denying the raw potential he has as an elite athlete with a massive 6'6″, 330-pound frame. Getting Banks with Kris Kocurek would ensure he gets the developmental touch he needs."
San Francisco is projected to address the offensive line later in the draft, using the No. 87 overall pick on Iowa guard Kade Pieper.
"There isn't a better fit at guard for the 49ers than Kade Pieper: A 6'4″, 290-pound super-athlete who thrives pulling, climbing, and swarming second-level defenders with his range," Cummings wrote.
For a complete breakdown of Ian Cummings' seven-round 2026 NFL mock draft, click here to view the full report.
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