The San Francisco 49ers are watching the window close on one generation of talent while looking to open another for an influx of new players. One position group that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later is wide receiver.
Multi-purpose pass catcher and runner Deebo Samuel was dealt to the Washington Commanders. Brandon Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension in August 2024, but he tore his ACL and MCL, limiting him to seven games, 25 receptions, and 325 yards. He was also a vocal critic of the team before his injury.
With Brock Purdy locked in as their franchise quarterback, the 49ers must make strong moves to give him the weapons he’ll need to execute head coach Kyle Shanahan’s high-powered offense. The team’s championship window depends on surrounding Purdy with reliable targets who can manage the precise timing routes that make Shanahan’s system work.
PFSN’s Mock Draft Has San Francisco 49ers Targeting ASU Receiver
PFSN’s Max Dorsey thinks the 49ers could target Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Tyson’s performance at Arizona State was fantastic last season, as he racked up over 1,000 yards,” Dorsey wrote. “He isn’t an athletic freak, but he has some of the best footwork in the country and consistently creates separation. That, combined with his hands and body control, makes him a reliable target, which San Francisco could use.”
Tyson finished his junior year with Arizona State with 75 catches across 12 games for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 14.7 yards per reception. Those numbers put him among the top receivers in college football and showed he could handle a heavy workload.
His route-running ability would be perfect for a Shanahan offense. Tyson’s game is marked by precise timing, knowing where the quarterback expects you to be, and proper spacing. He runs crisp routes and finds soft spots in zone coverage, precisely what Purdy needs from his receivers.
49ers Receiving Corps Shows Promise Despite Setbacks
In a perfect world, the 49ers could smooth things over with Aiyuk and team him up with second-year receiver Ricky Pearsall, surprise breakout performer Jauan Jennings, Jordan Watkins, and potentially Tyson. That would give them a deep, versatile group capable of matching up against any defense.
Pearsall missed the early part of 2024 after suffering a gunshot wound. He started only four games and had 31 catches for 400 yards and three touchdowns, but had a breakout game in Week 17 when he caught eight passes for 141 yards and a touchdown. His late-season surge showed he could be a key piece moving forward.
Jennings, a former seventh-round pick, recorded career highs with 77 catches for 975 yards and six touchdowns. He’s physical, reliable in traffic, and wins plays at the catch point. The veteran doesn’t have home-run speed, but he’s a high-production player who knows how to get open when it matters.
Watkins provides depth and special teams value, though he’s still developing as a consistent offensive threat. The 49ers need more proven options to compete for another Super Bowl with Purdy under center.
With the 49ers looking to continue retooling at the receiver position, they could do worse than identify a player who fits their system perfectly. Tyson’s skill set matches what Shanahan wants from his receivers, and his college production suggests he can handle the NFL workload. The only question remains whether the 49ers’ draft position and Tyson’s availability align when April rolls around.