The 2026 NFL free agency class wasn’t particularly loaded, but that didn’t prevent the San Francisco 49ers from making a splash. They went out and signed likely future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans, handing him a three-year deal worth up to $60.4 million through incentives.
However, one ex-NFL general manager doesn’t think this should stop the 49ers from drafting a receiver in the first round of this year’s draft.
Which Receiver Should the 49ers Draft in the First Round?
Mike Tannenbaum, former New York Jets general manager, Miami Dolphins executive, and current ESPN analyst, suggested they draft a certain wide receiver early, saying he’d like them to add. It is the Indiana Hoosiers’ Omar Cooper, the quarterback’s favorite pick.
“Omar Cooper, wide receiver from Indiana. I really like him. Very productive. 13 touchdowns this year. Look, San Francisco has had a lot of injuries. They added Mike Evans this year, but Ricky Pearsall is a good player. Durability has been an issue. If we can get some more weapons for Brock Purdy, who can play all 17 games with hopefully a healthier defense, they can get back to the Super Bowl.”
Tannenbaum is right. Though the 49ers did plug one receiver hole by adding Evans, they aren’t able to depend on Pearsall to stay healthy, and the best days of rotational pieces Christian Kirk and Demarcus Robinson are likely behind them.
Adding Cooper not only gives them a big-play threat but also a receiver who can stay healthy. Over 2024 and 2025, he only missed part of one game: the Big Ten Championship in 2025, though he was fully available for the championship playoff run.
Tannenbaum would go on to say, “I love this guy’s route running ability, and look at his hands here. I think he’s a day one starter. Mike Evans is a band-aid. He’s a long-term starter.”
Cooper’s route running is a major part of his game, and a big reason why he was able to average 13.6 yards per catch in 2025. He also has a knack for finding the soft spots in coverage, something head coach Kyle Shanahan would appreciate.
His skills helped him rack up 937 yards and 13 touchdowns on 69 catches in 2025, leading the team and contributing to an 83.0 PFSN CFB WR Impact score, which ranked 10th in the nation.
While Cooper may not last to the 49ers’ pick at 27, the former Indiana Hoosier could be a dynamic addition for the franchise that gets to draft him.
