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49ers replace Brandon Aiyuk in new 2026 NFL mock draft
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- 49ers replace Brandon Aiyuk in new 2026 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers could be on the hunt for an injection of talent on offense next offseason.
With tight end George Kittle entering his mid-30s, running back Christian McCaffrey entering his 30s, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on his way out, Ricky Pearsall dealing with consistent injury problems and wide receiver Jauan Jennings due to hit free agency, San Francisco 's days of boasting one of the best playmaking groups in the NFL are rapidly dwindling.
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A 2026 mock draft from the Athletic has the 49ers addressing their need for new weapons with their first-round pick.
With the No. 24 overall pick, the 49ers select prolific USC wide receiver Makai Lemon.
Lemon is a fun player to watch. He affects defenses at all three levels and his knack for acrobatic catches is a bonus on top of all the standard wide receiver things he does well. He gets open, has the versatility to line up in the slot or outside, and across three seasons he has only four drops in 183 targets while converting on 16-of-28 contested catch opportunities per Pro Football Focus.
Entering the 2026 draft would mean the 5-11, 195-pound Lemon would be 22 years old in his first NFL season.
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This year he has 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns, marking a dramatic improvement in productivity from his 52 catches for 764 yards and three touchdowns a season ago.
If the 49ers decide to inject some talent into their receiving corps in this year's draft, Lemon may be an ideal fit in San Francisco's offense.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 2026 NFL mock draft: 49ers pick USC WR Makai Lemon
