Big WR with elite speed could be 2nd-round steal for 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers have been heavily linked to a receiver in the first round, but that doesn't mean they'll take one with the No. 27 pick. With other potential needs at edge rusher and offensive line, the 49ers could wait until the second round to find an additional pass-catcher to pair with Mike Evans, Ricky Pearsall and Christian Kirk.

FOX Sports' Eric Williams has the man for San Francisco: Tennessee receiver Chris Brazzell II. The 22-year-old caught 62 receptions for 1,017 yards, and touchdowns in 2025 and would bring more speed to the offense.

The 49ers secured an experienced, consistent playmaker who can move the chains by signing Mike Evans in free agency. But adding Brazzell brings a big, speedy receiver who can stretch the field on the perimeter, keeping defenses honest in the back end. At 6-4 and 198 pounds, Brazzell ran a 4.37 40-yard time at the NFL Scouting Combine, so he has plenty of speed to get deep.

A former receiver in college, San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan has a knack for developing receivers, along with a veteran experienced receiver coach in passing game coordinator Leonard Hankerson. San Francisco had just four passing plays of 40-plus yards last season, tied for 29th in the NFL. The 49ers could use another explosive athlete to threaten the defense deep.

This idea doesn't come without some merit. The , indicating at least a little interest in the receiver. If one of their top receiver targets doesn't fall to them at No. 27, Brazzell could be a solid consolation prize at No. 58 — if he lasts that far, too.