As the San Francisco 49ers gear up for the 2025 NFL season, early mock drafts for 2026 are already sparking excitement among fans. Training camp is still on the horizon, but analysts are looking ahead, projecting how teams might address their needs in the upcoming draft. In a surprising move, Max Dorsey of Pro Football & Sports Network has the 49ers selecting Arizona State’s standout wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with their first-round pick at No. 25 overall in his latest three-round mock draft. This selection could signal the arrival of a superstar rookie poised to dominate the NFC West in his debut season.
A New Weapon for the 49ers’ Offense
The 49ers’ wide receiver room has faced significant changes heading into 2025. With Deebo Samuel Sr. now playing for Washington and Brandon Aiyuk still recovering from ACL and MCL injuries sustained in October 2024, the team is looking to bolster its receiving corps. While San Francisco invested a first-round pick in Ricky Pearsall last year, who is expected to take on a larger role in 2025 alongside Jauan Jennings, questions linger about the long-term future of the position. Jennings is entering the final year of his contract, and his future with the team remains uncertain, making the addition of a dynamic talent like Tyson a strategic move.
“San Francisco may be looking to upgrade at X, and Jordyn Tyson could be the ideal candidate,” Dorsey wrote. “Tyson’s performance at Arizona State was fantastic last season, as he racked up over 1,000 yards. He isn’t an athletic freak, but he has some of the best footwork in the country and consistently creates separation. That, combined with his hands and body control, makes him a reliable target, which San Francisco could use.”
Tyson’s breakout 2024 season with the Arizona State Sun Devils has cemented his status as one of college football’s fastest-rising prospects. According to Sports Reference, he recorded an impressive 1,102 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in his second year with the program. His ability to consistently create separation with precise footwork and reliable hands makes him a perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan’s creative offensive scheme, which thrives on versatile playmakers.
The Best QB-WR Duo in College Football
Analysts Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently ranked Tyson as the third-best wide receiver heading into the 2025 college football season. Paired with quarterback Sam Leavitt, Tyson has been part of what PFF calls “the best quarterback-receiver combo in college football.” Their chemistry was a driving force behind Arizona State’s success in 2024, and if the Sun Devils repeat as Big 12 champions in 2025, Tyson’s stock could rise even higher.
“Tyson and Sam Leavitt form the best quarterback-receiver combo in college football heading into 2025,” the PFF team wrote. “If Arizona State is going to repeat as Big 12 champions, it will likely be because of that duo.”
Tyson’s skill set aligns perfectly with the 49ers’ needs. His ability to create separation and serve as a reliable target could complement Pearsall and Jennings, forming a dynamic trio that keeps defenses guessing. With Aiyuk’s recovery timeline uncertain, Tyson’s arrival could provide the 49ers with a seamless transition into the future, ensuring their passing game remains elite.
Beyond the First Round: Building a Balanced Roster
While Tyson’s selection in the first round addresses a pressing need at wide receiver, Dorsey’s mock draft also sees the 49ers making strategic additions in the later rounds. In the second round, San Francisco selects LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., a versatile and explosive defender who could elevate an already formidable defensive unit. In the third round, the team finally addresses the offensive tackle position by selecting Boston College’s Jude Bowry, a move that could solidify the offensive line for years to come.
Although some fans might argue that offensive tackle is a more immediate need, the 49ers’ decision to prioritize a playmaker like Tyson in the first round reflects their commitment to maintaining an explosive offense. With Shanahan’s track record of maximizing the potential of his skill players, Tyson could quickly become a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the 49ers’ passing attack.
A Rookie Ready to Dominate the NFC West
As the 49ers prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1 of the 2025 season, the focus will be on Pearsall and Jennings to carry the load at wide receiver. However, looking ahead to 2026, Jordyn Tyson’s potential arrival could transform San Francisco’s offense into an unstoppable force. His 1,000+ yard college season, combined with his elite footwork and reliable hands, makes him a perfect fit for the 49ers’ system. If Tyson lives up to his potential, he could dominate the NFC West as a rookie, giving opposing defenses nightmares and helping San Francisco maintain their status as one of the NFL’s elite teams.
The Faithful may have to wait until 2026 to see Tyson in action, but if Dorsey’s mock draft is any indication, the 49ers are poised to land a superstar who could take the league by storm. With a blend of youth, talent, and coaching, San Francisco’s future looks brighter than ever.