New 49ers Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

It's another offseason in which uncertainty lingers around the San Francisco 49ers, yet they remain among the top contenders in the NFL.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have consistently worked wonders, no matter the number of injury crises and contract disputes the organization has endured. They now face pressure in unfamiliar territory as the NFC West's current third-best team.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the 49ers will do with the No. 27 pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (3/31)

Selection (No. 27): WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

Just two years ago, the 49ers entered the NFL draft with Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings at wide receiver. Since Jennings remains unsigned in free agency, none of the three are with the team.

Expectations revolve around Ricky Pearsall taking on a bigger role in Year 3, while the organization also signed Mike Evans and Christian Kirk as free agents. Even so, the Niners could use more firepower in the passing game, particularly with an electric option that can create after the catch.

"KC Concepcion is one of the draft's most dynamic receivers," B/R scout Damian Parson said. "He feels like a seamless fit for Kyle Shanahan's West Coast offense. Concepcion is great in space by using his playmaking ability from multiple alignments to create coverage mismatches. He is an easy separator and a three-level threat for quarterback Brock Purdy to attack man and zone coverages."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (3/17)

Selection (No. 27): OT Blake Miller, Clemson

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 27): Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 27): OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 27): WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 27): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (3/4)

Selection (No. 27): OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 27): DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

Summary

There are several different directions the 49ers can go. Considering how good both of their biggest divisional rivals are in the trenches, it would be wise to draft a top prospect on either side. A wide receiver can't be ruled out based on the current options there and George Kittle's uncertain status in 2026 after tearing his Achilles against the Eagles in the Wild Card Round.