49ers address wide receiver need in 2026 NFL mock draft

The San Francisco 49ers entered training camp with lingering concerns at wide receiver. The team traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders this offseason, and quarterback Brock Purdy's top target, Brandon Aiyuk, isn't expected to return from ACL and MCL injuries until at least Week 6.

Jauan Jennings is entering the final year of his contract and is seeking a new deal, but a lingering calf injury has complicated matters. A recent report states that Jennings and the 49ers remain far apart in contract talks.

The 49ers spent a first-round pick last year on Ricky Pearsall, who appears set to start Week 1 opposite Jennings. Rookie Jordan Watkins flashed potential early in camp but is now sidelined with a high-ankle sprain.

The Bleacher Report scouting department—featuring Brandon Thorn, Dame Parson, Daniel Harms, and Matt Holder—released its first 2026 NFL mock draft, projecting the 49ers to select Ja'Kobi Lane, a wide receiver from USC, with the No. 26 overall pick.

"The San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a more difficult position after signing quarterback Brock Purdy to a contract extension," Brent Sobleski wrote. "The Niners previously benefited from Purdy being under a seventh-round rookie contract. Well, his deal kicks into gear next year, when his salary-cap charge nearly triples. It only goes up from there."

Sobleski believes that tough decisions may loom at wide receiver, possibly suggesting that San Francisco might not be able to afford Jennings or could consider moving on from Aiyuk's expensive deal—a contract that Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard has repeatedly reported the team regrets.

Of course, that's just speculation on my part, as Sobleski didn't share further details after the comment.

After drafting 11 players this year, the 49ers appear committed to relying on young talent to bolster their roster and develop future playmakers.

Lane, standing 6-foot-4, could be an intriguing target for Purdy. The USC wideout recorded 43 receptions for 525 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

"USC's Ja'Kobi Lane offers a prototypical X-receiver build and frame," Parson noted. "Lane can operate as a three-level threat, with a game similar to the new Dallas Cowboys' target, George Pickens."