With the NFL Scouting Combine complete in Indianapolis, analysts are updating their 2026 NFL mock drafts based on workout data and team needs. A clear theme has emerged for the 49ers: add an offensive playmaker to support quarterback Brock Purdy.
Two projections have San Francisco targeting a wide receiver with the No. 27 overall pick. Another has the team landing an athletic tight end who impressed in Indianapolis.
CBS Sports: Omar Cooper Jr. to the 49ers
In his latest mock draft for CBS Sports, Ryan Wilson has head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch selecting former Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. in the first round. Cooper has drawn comparisons to former 49ers standout Deebo Samuel.
Projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza praised his former Indiana teammate's skill set.
"The body control he has is crazy," Mendoza said, via Matt Barrows of The Athletic. "He's like a prime Deebo Samuel. … He has great body control, great hands, can play any position on the field. To have him as a receiver that can be a gadget guy, can also take it deep, and also great routes and hands, especially for the quarterback, he helped make me this year."
San Francisco could see significant turnover at wide receiver. Brandon Aiyuk appears to be on his way out, while Jauan Jennings is headed toward free agency.
"We'll see what happens with Jauan Jennings in San Francisco, but Brandon Aiyuk may have played his last snap," Wilson wrote. "As it stands, the WR room includes Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins, and Jacob Cowing under contract … and that's it. There's a need at guard too, but Cooper Jr. feels like a Kyle Shanahan-type receiver."
Sports Illustrated: KC Concepcion in Round 1
In his mock draft for Sports Illustrated, Justin Melo projects the 49ers to select former Texas A&M wideout KC Concepcion at No. 27 overall.
"The San Francisco 49ers appear primed to lose wide receiver Jauan Jennings to free agency," Melo wrote. "There also going through a messy breakup with Brandon Aiyuk. Texas A&M wideout KC Concepcion is an extremely explosive player with elite short-area quickness and run-after-catch ability. Kyle Shanahan would utilize Concepcion in creative ways to help generate big gains."
Pro Football Focus: Kenyon Sadiq falls to No. 27
While Wilson and Melo project former Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq to come off the board earlier following his standout Combine performance, Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus sees him available at No. 27.
In that scenario, the choice would be straightforward.
Sikkema pairs Sadiq with George Kittle, giving Kyle Shanahan another dynamic weapon and a potential long-term successor to the All-Pro tight end.
"Sadiq was as advertised as a crazy athlete, and then he showed as much by running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and jumping 43.5 inches in the vertical at 241 pounds," Sikkema wrote. "He also threw up 26 repetitions on the bench press. He is one of the most athletically gifted players in the class, regardless of position, and could be a true chess piece in Kyle Shanahan's offense with George Kittle — and even without him."
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