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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Denzel Boston of the Washington Huskies participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Mike Evans was signed to provide an instant jolt to the San Francisco 49ers’ offense, a role he’s mastered over the course of his spectacular 12-year NFL career. The 32-year-old has been one of the game’s most consistently productive wide receivers, making six Pro Bowls and twice earning All-Pro honors (2016, 2023).
But given his age, there may be a limit to what he can accomplish with his new team.
With that in mind, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell suggests the 49ers could use the upcoming draft to buy themselves some insurance at receiver, not just now but also in the future.
49ers Could Target Receiver in First Round
In Barnwell’s all-trades mock draft that published Monday morning, he suggests the 49ers strike a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Barnwell has San Francisco sending the No. 27 pick and two of its four fourth-rounders, No. 127 and No. 133, to Philadelphia for the No. 23 pick.
In this scenario, the 49ers land Evans’ eventual successor.
“The 49ers could move up here for someone such as Washington receiver Denzel Boston, who could serve as a valuable YAC producer and eventual Mike Evans replacement on the outside in San Francisco,” Barnwell writes.
As Barnwell notes, the 49ers are expected to move on from Brandon Aiyuk this offseason. Signed to a three-year deal worth $42.4 million, with incentives that could push the total value to $60.4 million, Evans is expected to serve as a veteran cog for a group that lacks experience.
Evans, who turns 33 in August, tied Jerry Rice for most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons (11) before hamstring and collarbone injuries limited him to eight games in 2025. His 13,052 career receiving yards are second-most among active players behind DeAndre Hopkins (13,295).
NFL Analyst Ranks Boston as Top Receiver
The 6-foot-4 Boston is one of the prized targets in a deep receiving class. In 12 games last season, Boston had 62 catches for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns.
As the April 23 draft draws closer, Boston’s stock continues to rise. NBC Sports’ Chris Simms recently ranked him the No. 1 receiver available, ahead of Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson.
“There’s just so much to like about the guy in general,” Simms said on his show Unbuttoned. “All the contested catches and all that, you’re going to feel comfortable with. He’s phenomenal at adjusting his body, contorting his body … he’s got great hands to go up and pluck the ball out of the air.”
Boston recently took a top-30 visit to San Francisco, suggesting the 49ers’ interest could be genuine.