Even as the San Francisco 49ers push for a return to postseason play, it feels like the current state of the franchise is crumbling. Multiple stars are dealing with long-term injuries. Receiver Brandon Aiyuk may be finished with the team after a dramatic saga. What was once a juggernaut squad is now filled with needs across the roster.

But with Aiyuk likely on his way out, the receiver position is quickly becoming the most pressing issue. The Niners will need to add pass-catching talent in the offseason, either through free agency or the draft.

Luckily, the 2026 NFL Draft class is stocked with intriguing receiver prospects in every round. There are plenty of first-round wideouts that the 49ers may take a look at, but Oklahoma’s Deion Burks is making a strong case to be drafted by San Francisco a bit further down the board.

49ers must keep tabs on Oklahoma WR Deion Burks after electric CFP performance

Burks has been overlooked for most of his collegiate career. From his time at Purdue to his two seasons at Oklahoma, the senior receiver has often faded into the background of the college football landscape. In the biggest game of his career, he made sure that the football world took notice.

Burks put on a show in Oklahoma’s College Football Playoff game against Alabama over the weekend. He logged seven catches for 107 yards and a touchdown, setting a new season high yardage mark. The shifty wideout was the focal point of the Sooners’ offense, earning more receptions than any player on either team.

Even against an Alabama defense loaded with NFL talent, Burks was able to showcase his dynamic ability. He even took a crossing route 37 yards to the end zone early in the fourth quarter. Oklahoma may have lost the game, but Burks benefited from the exposure that the big stage provided.

The receiver is undersized at 5-foot-9 and 188 pounds, but his explosive speed and big-play ability make him an enticing draft prospect. Many scouts expect him to go in the later rounds, but the performance he put on against Alabama will surely lift his stock.

Burks is far from being a direct replacement for Aiyuk. Their skill sets couldn’t be much more different, but the young prospect could still provide another capable receiving option at a relatively low cost.

If the 49ers have an opportunity to draft him in the third round, they’ll need to strongly consider doing so.