49ers address 'desperate' need in latest Field Yates 2026 NFL mock draft

The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2026 NFL Draft with multiple roster needs, but wide receiver stands out near the top of the list. Adding an outside speed threat to complement quarterback Brock Purdy could be critical to maintaining a productive offense.

Brandon Aiyuk's tenure in the Bay Area appears to be over, and Jauan Jennings is scheduled to hit free agency. Meanwhile, Ricky Pearsall battled through an injury-marred second NFL season in 2025. The result is a clear need for reinforcements at receiver.

Following Super Bowl LX, ESPN draft analyst Field Yates released his latest 2026 NFL mock draft, projecting the 49ers to address that need in the first round. Yates has San Francisco selecting Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion with the No. 27 overall pick.

"The 49ers are desperate for help at wide receiver and edge rusher this offseason, but the latter has a natural lift coming with the return of Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams from ACL injuries," Yates wrote. "However, their top wide receiver (Jauan Jennings) is a free agent, and Brandon Aiyuk is all but gone from the team.

"Concepcion is an explosive play waiting to happen, as he scored 25 receiving touchdowns in three college seasons and took a pair of punts to the house during his lone season at Texas A&M. He's a contender for the fastest wideout in the class and would be a fun player for coach Kyle Shanahan."

In addition to his 25 receiving touchdowns, Concepcion totaled 2,218 receiving yards, adding three rushing scores. In 2025 alone, he recorded 919 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, plus 75 rushing yards and a score on 10 carries, according to Sports Reference.

His after-the-catch ability is particularly noteworthy. In 2025, Concepcion earned a 79.9 receiving grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) and generated 440 yards after the catch. For his collegiate career, 1,232 of his 2,218 receiving yards came after the catch—more than 55 percent of his total production.

Additionally, Concepcion has shown he can do more than haul in passes. In 2023 at NC State, he produced 1,159 yards from scrimmage, including 320 rushing yards on 41 attempts. His versatility as a receiver and runner could make him even more appealing to head coach Kyle Shanahan as he searches for more game-changing weapons on offense.