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Fernando Mendoza gives 1 great reason why 49ers should draft this WR
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- Fernando Mendoza gives 1 great reason why 49ers should draft this WR
Shades of a former San Francisco 49ers offensive star could be found in the 2026 receiver draft prospects. At least, that's what Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza thinks.
The likely No. 1 overall pick spoke to the media Friday the NFL Scouting Combine and compared Hooisers receiver Omar Cooper Jr. to, in his words, "like a prime Deebo Samuel ."
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"He's a gadget guy and also has great routers and hands," Mendoza said . "He helped make me this year."
That should be music to the 49ers' ears. Samuel thrived in the Kyle Shanahan offense for six seasons, and the team hasn't been able to replicate that success since they traded him to the Washington Commanders before the 2025 season. Samuel totaled 5,935 scrimmage yards and 42 total scores on 536 touches from 2019 to 2024.
Cooper Jr. called the comparison "a blessing" because Samuel "is a really great player" who "established himself in the league.
For what it's worth, this is the same comparison NFL.com's Lance Zierlein had to Cooper Jr. in his evaluation of the prospect:
Big, strong target whose two-year rise is bolstered by translatable tape. While he was a full-time slot receiver in 2025, Cooper has played outside, as well. He can stem and drive past press with his strength. He has potent early acceleration to climb past nickelbacks into top position to challenge deep. His routes lack polish and he has average in-and-out quickness at break-points, but he's rugged once the ball is in his hands. His ability to add yards after contact could earn Cooper more carries than we saw from him at Indiana. Fighting for catch space and blocking for the running game are areas where he needs improvement. Cooper is an ascending slot bully with Day 2 value.
Samuel and Cooper Jr. also have very similar frames. Samuel stands at 6-foot and 214 pounds, while Cooper Jr. is 6-foot and around 204 pounds. The Indiana product caught 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns, but only rushed 3 times for 74 yards and one score this past season.
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Cooper Jr. is quickly rising up draft boards but could be available at the 49ers' No. 27 pick if general manager John Lynch wants to go down that route. While the 49ers have plenty of other needs, adding a playmaker with similar comparisons to one of their former great players wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Fernando Mendoza gives 1 reason why 49ers should target this WR
