The San Francisco 49ers are more than just staying alive in the NFC playoff race. They're 9-4 and looking to make a deep playoff run despite Fred Warner and Nick Bosa's season-ending injuries.
But one of the main talking points this season revolves around Brandon Aiyuk.
Aiyuk has had his 2026 guarantees waived by the 49ers, and his time in San Francisco is all but over once the 2025 season is up.
Mel Kiper of ESPN highlighted the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft class, and with Aiyuk on his way out and Jauan Jennings a free agent, the strength of this class couldn't be better timed with the 49ers' biggest need.
Mel Kiper's 2026 NFL Draft analysis is good news for 49ers fans
Kiper responded to a question of whether the 2026 NFL Draft class is a strong one for wide receivers with a confident affirmation.
"Oh, yes," Kiper writes. "It's the strongest position of an otherwise not-great class."
San Francisco has its own first-round pick, which will likely be near the end of the first round. That means, barring a trade up, potential top-10 picks Jordyn Tyson, Carnell Tate and Makai Lemon might be out of the 49ers' range.
But Denzel Boston (Washington), Chris Bell (Louisville), Zachariah Branch (Georgia) and Germie Bernard (Alabama) are all end-of-the-first-round options for San Francisco.
MORE: 49ers to compete with Bills for top WR prospects amid Brandon Aiyuk, Keon Coleman uncertainty
If they decide to wait to draft a wide receiver, there's a group of talented options on Days 2 and 3 that the 49ers could pick. Ja'Kobi Lane, KC Concepcion, Chris Brazzell II, Malachi Fields and Bryce Lance are all options down the board for the 49ers.
Aiyuk's time in San Francisco is all but over, and Jennings might depart in free agency this offseason. That would leave Ricky Pearsall as the only receiver, making the position a clear area to improve upon in the offseason.
Fortunately, the departure of Aiyuk and potentially Jennings comes at a very opportune time. The 2026 NFL Draft class is loaded with wide receiver talent, and it is a great opportunity for the 49ers to bolster their offense.
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