49ers Select Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. in 2026 SB Nation Community Mock Draft

The San Francisco 49ers have selected Omar Cooper Jr., wide receiver from Indiana, with the 27th overall pick in the 2026 SB Nation Community Mock Draft.

This annual mock draft, conducted by all 32 NFL sites at SB Nation, simulates the first round ahead of the actual 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 23–25.

Each site manager contributes a pick with detailed reasoning, followed by additional analysis from the organizer.

Niners Nation’s Nicholas McGee made the selection for the 49ers, emphasizing the team’s need for versatile receivers under head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Why the 49ers Chose Omar Cooper Jr.

McGee explained his reasoning in a breakdown that compared the 49ers’ receiver corps to a basketball team:

"Kyle Shanahan can never have too many wide receivers for him to utilize. He likes having a bit of a basketball team as far as the room makeup and right now he’s already got his power forward in Mike Evans and point guard in Ricky Pearsall. If Christian Kirk can be a quality shooting guard, then Cooper Jr. could be the team’s stretch forward who can do a bit of everything."

The analogy highlights Shanahan’s preference for a diverse group of receivers who can contribute in multiple ways. Cooper Jr. fits that role as a player capable of stretching defenses and adding versatility to the offense.

Offensive Priorities and Team Outlook

Despite other potential needs on the roster, the 49ers’ defense is expected to remain strong, and quarterback Brock Purdy is projected to perform at his usual high level. This combination positions San Francisco as a contender in the NFC.

McGee added:

"Didn’t follow all of that basketball nonsense? That’s ok. Just know that the 49ers will be very much okay using their first-rounder on another wideout even though you could argue there are other needs higher on the priority list."