The San Francisco 49ers are likely to take a wide receiver at some point in the 2026 NFL draft. While John Lynch said that he did not think the team would draft a wide receiver early, they are liable to take one at any point in the draft. So, if there were a perfect prospect for them to take at every spot in their current draft order, who are the players that the 49ers should root for?

Round 1, Pick 27 overallOmar Cooper Jr, Indiana

There is a debate about whether Cooper is the best prospect between himself, Denzel Boston, and KC Concepcion. However, of the three of them, it is clear that he fits the 49ers’ offensive system the best. The question is whether he falls to 27. The question will be if one of Concepcion, Boston and Cooper is there, will they really do what Lynch says and pass that up?

Round 2, Pick 58 overallGermie Bernard, Alabama

Alabama used Bernard in a variety of ways to get the ball in his hands. He even got handed the ball and threw passes. That, plus short area separation, is why the 49ers would be interested at this spot. He does not have great speed and is not the biggest receiver, so he should be taken in this range. 

San Francisco 49er

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Round 4, Pick 127 overallBrennan Thompson, Mississippi State

Thompson is tiny, and taking him earlier is hard to justify. However, he can also fly and make plays down the field, which every team needs. So, the 49ers should hope he falls into round four. 

Round 4, pick 133 overallJosh Cameron, Baylor 

Cameron has the Jauan Jennings starter kit. He is big, physical, tough, contested catches and yards after the catch. He is lacking some nuance, but that is why the 49ers would get him in round four. 

Round 4, pick 138 overall Kevin Coleman 

Coleman is a pure slot, but he runs crisp routes and finds ways to create separation. He can work well enough with the ball in his hands. He is physically limited, but San Francisco needs a slot only option. 

Round 4, pick 139 overallDe’Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss

Stribling has enough size and great speed for a field stretcher. He is a bit limited to running vertical routes, but he can make enough catches in the air that big plays can come with this player.Â