The Niners may need a few wideouts in 2026.

In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the NFL landscape, a purported blueprint for the San Francisco 49ers’ 2026 NFL Draft strategy has leaked, revealing a laser-focused plan to overhaul their offensive firepower—particularly at wide receiver. Sources close to the organization whisper that head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch are gearing up for a seismic shift, prioritizing dynamic playmakers who can ignite the passing game and restore the Niners to Super Bowl contention. With the NFC already stacked with powerhouse teams like the Eagles, Cowboys, and Lions, this aggressive draft approach signals that San Francisco is done playing catch-up. The rest of the conference? Consider yourselves warned.

The leak, which appears to stem from internal simulations using Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) mock-draft tool, positions the 49ers at No. 24 overall—a spot that reflects a solid but not elite 2025 campaign. Coming off a season where the defense shone brightly thanks to last year’s draft haul (hello, Alfred Collins and Upton Stout), the offense struggled with inconsistency, especially at receiver. Brandon Aiyuk’s rumored departure looms large, Jauan Jennings is set to hit free agency, and while Ricky Pearsall enters his third year as a promising talent, the depth chart looks thin. Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins? They’re intriguing, but Shanahan isn’t betting the farm on them becoming stars overnight.

Enter the 2026 draft: a seven-round masterclass in offensive reinvention, with a heavy emphasis on wideouts to complement Shanahan’s scheme. The blueprint doesn’t just tinker around the edges—it doubles down on speed, route-running, and yards-after-catch (YAC) wizards who can block and battle in the trenches. Let’s break it down round by round, based on the leaked simulation.

Round 1, Pick 24: Makai Lemon, WR, USC Trojans

The crown jewel of this draft blueprint is USC’s Makai Lemon, an electric slot receiver who’s projected to slide right into Shanahan’s hands at No. 24. At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, Lemon might not have the prototypical size, but don’t sleep on his game-breaking ability. He’s a YAC monster with elite route-running skills, unafraid to mix it up physically against bigger corners. Think Deebo Samuel 2.0—versatile, tough, and a willing blocker in the run game, which is non-negotiable in San Francisco.

In PFF’s sim, Lemon falls outside the top 10, where the draft gets unpredictable. If he’s available, passing on him would be malpractice for Shanahan, who’s built his offense around quick-strike threats. Lemon’s addition could immediately elevate the passing attack, giving Brock Purdy a reliable underneath option and stretching defenses thin.

Round 2, Pick 56: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama Crimson Tide

Why stop at one WR when you can grab two in the first two rounds? The blueprint doubles down with Alabama’s Germie Bernard, a 6-foot-1 target who addresses the potential void left by Jennings. Bernard isn’t a burner, but his catch radius and red-zone prowess make him a nightmare for defenses. His route-running is polished, and while his blocking and YAC need work, he’s the perfect complement to Lemon’s skill set.

Pairing Bernard with Pearsall creates a versatile trio: speed in the slot, size on the boundary, and reliability across the board. The Niners’ offense, which sputtered at times in 2025 without consistent threats, could suddenly look explosive again. This pick screams “all-in on offense,” signaling a departure from last year’s defense-heavy approach.

Round 3, Pick 88: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas Longhorns

Shifting gears to the trenches, the blueprint eyes Texas’ Trevor Goosby as the heir apparent to aging All-Pro Trent Williams. At 6-foot-7 and 312 pounds, Goosby has the raw tools to dominate—long arms, power, and upside against top EDGE rushers (he even held his own against last year’s Niners pick, Mykel Williams). Ranked No. 7 among tackles by ESPN’s Mel Kiper, he’s a project with star potential.

Williams’ retirement clock is ticking, and Goosby’s scheme fit in Shanahan’s zone-blocking system makes this a no-brainer. It’s not all glamour picks, but protecting Purdy is priority No. 1 if the new WRs are to thrive.

Round 4, Pick 124: Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama Crimson Tide

The quest for a George Kittle sidekick continues with Alabama’s Josh Cuevas, a rising star who’s drawn comparisons to a young Kittle. The former Cal Poly transfer brings athleticism, versatility, and blocking chops—key for Shanahan’s two-TE sets. With Kittle sidelined by a hamstring in 2025, undrafted free agent Jake Tonges filled in admirably, but Cuevas represents a true upgrade.

This pick bolsters the passing game further, giving Purdy another mismatch weapon and easing the load on the WR corps.

Round 4, Pick 134 (Compensatory): Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M Aggies

Back to defense for depth, the blueprint tabs Texas A&M’s Albert Regis as a run-stuffing interior lineman. At 6-foot-2, he’s slipped a bit in drafts but remains a pocket disruptor with upside. Coordinator Robert Saleh, fresh off a strong 2025, would love the added beef up front to complement last year’s investments.

Round 4, Pick 137 (Compensatory): DJ Campbell, OG, Texas Longhorns

Interior O-line help arrives with Texas’ DJ Campbell, a mauler in the run game who’s versatile enough for Shanahan’s scheme. Left guard has been a revolving door (Ben Bartch, Spencer Burford, and rookie Connor Colby haven’t locked it down), and Campbell’s power could stabilize things, protecting the investment in those shiny new WRs.

Round 5, Pick 163 (Compensatory): Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU Tigers

Linebacker depth is addressed with LSU’s Harold Perkins Jr., a speedy, aggressive playmaker reminiscent of former Niner Dre Greenlaw. With Fred Warner returning from injury and last year’s pick Nick Martin underperforming, Perkins adds dynamism to the second level—perfect for Saleh’s attacking defense.

Round 5, Pick 174 (Compensatory): Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF Knights

Even with Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams returning from ACL tears, depth at EDGE is crucial. UCF’s Malachi Lawrence, with his 35-inch arms and pass-rush burst, fits as a situational specialist. Injuries exposed vulnerabilities in 2025, and this pick ensures the front remains ferocious.

Round 7, Pick 226: Iapani Laloulu, C, Oregon Ducks

A late flier on Oregon’s Iapani Laloulu targets the center position, where Jake Brendel is serviceable but aging. Laloulu’s smarts and pass protection shine, though his run blocking needs polish—ideal for development behind the scenes.

Round 7, Pick 237: De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss Rebels

Capping off the WR bonanza is Ole Miss’ De’Zhaun Stribling, a 6-foot-2 blocker with a big catch radius for contested balls. He’s no speed demon and has injury red flags, but as a Jennings replacement, he’s a third-down beast and developmental gem.

This leaked blueprint isn’t just a draft—it’s a declaration of war on the NFC. By loading up on WR talent like Lemon, Bernard, and Stribling, the Niners are rebuilding their offense around Purdy’s strengths, blending speed, size, and physicality. Add in O-line reinforcements and defensive depth, and San Francisco could reclaim the West and beyond. If this sim holds true, rivals like the Rams and Seahawks better buckle up. The 49ers are coming, and they’re bringing fireworks. Stay tuned—draft season just got a whole lot spicier.