Wide receiver is quickly becoming a popular first-round projection for the San Francisco 49ers in early 2026 NFL mock drafts. Two mocks released on Wednesday have the 49ers using the No. 27 overall pick to reinforce their receiving corps.
The strategy makes sense. While San Francisco has multiple roster needs, the wide receiver room could become dangerously thin if left unaddressed.
The 49ers have indicated that Brandon Aiyuk has likely played his last snap with the team. Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, and Skyy Moore are all scheduled to hit free agency next month. Ricky Pearsall is coming off an injury-plagued second NFL season.
There's also uncertainty surrounding tight end George Kittle, who is working his way back from an Achilles injury. Adding another dependable pass-catching option for quarterback Brock Purdy could be a priority as the 49ers prepare for their upcoming campaign.
In his mock draft for CBS Sports, Tom Fornelli projects San Francisco selecting Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston at No. 27 overall.
"I could be wishcasting here, but I've watched Denzel Boston at Washington the last two years and have felt all along that he's a player who would flourish in a Kyle Shanahan offense, so why not just put him in Kyle Shanahan's offense?" Fornelli wrote. "He's a big body with fantastic hands and is a precise route runner who thrives on the kind of timing routes the 49ers utilize."
Fornelli is correct about Boston bringing size to any receiving corps. He is 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, potentially offering a strong presence on the outside within head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.
Boston is coming off a productive 2025 season, catching 62 passes for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns, according to Sports Reference.
Across four seasons at Washington, Boston totaled 132 catches for 1,781 yards and 20 touchdowns, with the bulk of that production coming over the past two years (125 receptions, 1,715 yards, 20 touchdowns).
Reese Decker of Pro Football and Sports Network also has the 49ers addressing wide receiver in Round 1, projecting Louisville standout Chris Bell to San Francisco at No. 27.
"The San Francisco 49ers add a big-time playmaker to their receiving corps," Decker wrote. "Bell is cool and confident at all times. He's a natural catcher with strong hands and outstanding ball skills, consistently coming down with everything thrown his way.
Bell (6-2, 220) finished his collegiate career with 151 receptions for 2,166 yards and 12 touchdowns, per Sports Reference. During his senior season in 2025, he set career highs with 72 catches, 917 yards, and six touchdowns.
"He offers a versatile skill set, capable of playing both outside and in the slot, and has the potential to fill the role Deebo Samuel once played in this offense, providing a major lift to Brock Purdy," Decker added.
If early projections are any indication, wide receiver could be firmly in play for the 49ers in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.