Could the 49ers be ready to part ways with Brandon Aiyuk and unleash a first-round YAC phenom that changes everything?.QQ
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In Trevor Sikkema’s latest 2026 PFF mock draft, the San Francisco 49ers try to refill a very specific role in their offense. Picking at No. 26 overall, San Francisco lands Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion, a yards-after-catch specialist who’s built for Kyle Shanahan’s system.
Sikkema notes that without Deebo Samuel this season, the 49ers’ offense has been missing that go-to receiver who can turn short throws into explosive plays. Christian McCaffrey has picked up some of that slack from the backfield, but PFF points out it “is not quite the same as scheming things up for a receiver.” Concepcion is averaging more than 7.0 yards after the catch this season, a number that jumps off the page for a team that lives on quick game, crossers and screens.
Instead of targeting offensive line or edge help with this late-first selection, the mock has San Francisco leaning into what it does best: manufacturing easy touches and letting a dynamic playmaker do the rest. Concepcion gives them a tailor-made piece for that mission.
Why KC Concepcion Fits the 49ers’ Offense
For Shanahan, the appeal is obvious. Concepcion brings acceleration and open-field vision that show up every time the ball is in his hands. In an offense that already features layered route concepts and heavy pre-snap motion, adding another receiver who can thrive on jet sweeps, screens and quick in-breakers makes the playbook even tougher to defend.
San Francisco doesn’t need Concepcion to be a pure outside X receiver. They need someone who can live in the slot, work over the middle and punish defenses that overplay downfield routes or stack the box against McCaffrey. Concepcion’s YAC profile fits that perfectly.
The pick also gives the 49ers insurance and long-term planning at a position that has taken plenty of hits, both in terms of injuries and contract questions. With a late first-rounder, they secure cost-controlled production at a premium spot in their offense.
What It Means for the 49ers’ Draft Approach
Using the No. 26 pick on a receiver instead of a lineman or defensive help could say a lot about where the 49ers see their margins in close games. This mock suggests San Francisco would rather recreate that role than try to win low-scoring grinders.
With a 9-4 record at the time of this projection, the 49ers are firmly in win-now mode. Concepcion’s skill set lets them chase another Super Bowl run without asking him to develop for multiple years before contributing. Early in his career, he could be featured on schemed touches, red-zone rub routes and shot plays off play action, making the offense feel a lot more like the Deebo-era version fans are used to.
Later in the draft, San Francisco could still target offensive line depth, interior defensive line or another cornerback. But if Sikkema’s mock proves prophetic and KC Concepcion is the pick at No. 26, the 49ers would be betting that one more YAC weapon is the best way to keep their NFC window wide open. And if disgrunted receiver Brandon Aiyuk moves on from San Francisco, drafting Concepcion could become even more important.
