The San Francisco 49ers, under head coach Kyle Shanahan, have traditionally been one of the best offenses in the NFL. It seems like, no matter what injuries happen, or who is playing quarterback, the team finds way to move the ball.
Ahead of the 2026 NFL season, Bleacher Report's NFL scouting department is ranking the top 1,000 players in the NFL. The rankings are broken down by position and offense and defense.
We already saw that the 49ers had two defenders make the top 99 defenders list, and today, we're going to talk about the six players who made the top 99 skill position players list.
No. 99: QB Mac Jones (QB21)
You know your quarterback room is in good shape when even the backup quarterback makes the list. Jones stepped up in a big way last year and is clearly one of, it not the best quarterbacks in the league.
"Mac Jones will miss the mark and won't check most of the physical boxes, like arm strength/talent, size, and athleticism," the scouting report said. "If given a quality offensive line, an offensive scheme, and a reliable supporting cast, Jones can make things work and win football games."
No. 93: WR Ricky Pearsall (WR37)
Ricky Pearsall is unfortunately out for the season, and that's a big loss for the 49ers. Pearsall has turned into a great slot receiver in the league, and injury concerns have been the biggest negative.
"If not for injuries, the San Francisco 49ers might have found their No. 1 wide receiver in Ricky Pearsall," the scouting team said. "He's a technical, detailed route-runner who separates from multiple alignments. He's also great at attacking the corner's leverage and breaking away at the top of his routes. His football IQ is evident in his ability to diagnose post-snap coverages quickly and stay on the same page with the quarterback."
Pearsall caught 36 passes for 528 yards in nine games in 2025.
No. 81: WR Mike Evans (WR33)
Mike Evans was the 49ers' big offseason addition. The future Hall of Famer should make an immediate impact during his first season not on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"Mike Evans is an established, consistent playmaker who brings reliability to the offensive passing game," Bleacher Report said. "He lost a step athletically, but his football IQ and nuance at the position overcome those shortcomings. Evans remains a big target who can "moss" defenders at the catch point."
Evans, when at his best, is one of the top receivers in the league. If he can stay healthy, Brock Purdy will have a reliable target all season.
No. 29: QB Brock Purdy (QB10)
Next, we have Brock Purdy, who was excellent in 2025. Kyle Shanahan has been a quarterback whisperer, but Purdy has enough talent to succeed in any system.
"Brock Purdy is an established starting quarterback with plenty of postseason experience, including leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl," the scouting report said. "Purdy is an above-average athlete with good pocket quickness to create for himself whenever he senses pressure. He plays with immense heart and toughness, earning him a place among the NFL's winners."
How good can Purdy get? If he takes another step, the 49ers are Super Bowl contenders.
No. 14: RB Christian McCaffrey (RB4)
Christian McCaffrey is still playing at an elite level. The running back actually played in all 17 games last year, and he made a huge difference.
"Christian McCaffrey is a defensive game plan changer. Opposing defenses would love to play more man coverage against the 49ers' offense, but when he is in the backfield, it's nearly an impossible feat," said the scouting report. "CMC is still a fantastic route-runner out of the backfield, and his ability to freeze and break second-level defenders' ankles as a receiver forces defenses to shift their game plan in real time."
McCaffrey has to stay healthy again in 2026 for the 49ers to reach their potential.
No. 9: TE George Kittle (TE1)
Speaking of offensive stars who have to stay healthy, George Kittle is next on the list. Kittle is still recovering from an Achilles injury, but when he's healthy, he's the most well-rounded tight end in the game.
"The exuberant nature with which he plays the position doesn't just make him fun to watch; it's extremely effective. A true do-it-all tight end, Kittle maxes out effort as a blocker with physicality and high football IQ while doubling as a yards after catch demon," the scouting report said. "Like crossing a Gremlin with the Energizer Bunny, he's a truly unique player in the NFL, and we're all better for getting to watch him on the field."
Kittle is running routes again, and he should be able to play in the majority of the regular season.
