Deebo 

Samuel

We can usually ignore rushing production by wide receivers, but that’s not the case with Samuel. Despite having the best group of running backs in the NFL, Samuel still ran 37 times last season — nine more than any other wide receiver, leading to 225 yards and five touchdowns. He ran the ball more before the 49ers traded for Christian McCaffrey, but that is still a huge help to his fantasy production.

The 49ers added Ricky Pearsall in the first round of the draft. He plays more similarly to Samuel than Aiyuk. The 49ers have the third-most dedicated cap space to 2025 without Aiyuk under contract or several starting defenders, and they will need to pay Brock Purdy significantly more at some point in time. Drafting Pearsall makes it pretty clear either Aiyuk or Samuel or both won’t be on the roster in 2025.

Samuel has been borderline WR1/WR2 on fantasy teams as long as he can stay healthy despite the competition for touches in San Francisco. There is still some uncertainty with the Pearsall addition and Aiyuk‘s trade request. Some scenarios help his fantasy value and some hurt, adding a little bit of risk when drafting Samuel.