As the San Francisco 49ers weigh a lucrative extension for quarterback Brock Purdy, they also have some questions to answer about the future of their skill positions.
The 49ers traded away a pair of players who had some very productive games in San Francisco earlier this offseason. Former All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel went to the Washington Commanders, while 2024 rushing leader Jordan Mason was shipped to the Minnesota Vikings.
If top wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk gets traded, the Patriots will be left with George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings to carry the passing game. That could leave Purdy making 40 to 50 times his 2024 salary with the worst cast of characters he’s ever had to target.
All of that makes it suddenly seem possible that the 49ers could target a pass-catcher in the first round, despite doing the same thing with Pearsall last season.
On Wednesday, Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports predicted that the 49ers would select Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who many rate as the top wideout in the draft class, with the 11th pick of the first round.
“The 49ers will look a lot different in 2025, but with another first-round receiver on board, they can still be dangerous in the NFC,” Trapasso wrote.
McMillan, 21, put up 1,319 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in just 12 games during his excellent 2024 season. His slightly unimpressive 40-yard dash time could wind up being the reason he falls down the draft board a bit, which could result in a steal for a team like San Francisco.
With just over a month until the draft, the 49ers have a lot to consider.
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