49ers build around Jimmy Garoppolo in 4-round mock NFL Draft

Round 4, Pick No. 117 Overall: 49ers select wide receiver Nico Collins, Michigan

The Niners already have their top-two wide receivers set for the immediate future: Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.

After that, things get a bit tricky.

Kendrick Bourne and Trent Taylor are both pending free agents. Richie James has been underused, Jauan Jennings remains a work in progress and Jalen Hurd has yet to step on the field for a regular-season snap the last two seasons.

San Francisco 49ers

On top of that, the 2021 NFL Draft is considered to be one of the deepest in recent history at the position, including last year’s amazing class, so it wouldn’t be shocking at all to see Kyle Shanahan dip into this pool of talented wideouts at least once during the middle rounds. Especially if there’s a likable possession-type receiver to replace Bourne, should he depart in free agency.

For that need, San Francisco can easily turn to Michigan wide receiver Nico Collins.

Collins, 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, possesses ideal size for both a third-down weapon and red-zone target: two areas at which Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers offense will need to thrive if they hope to be successful in 2021.

Unlike many big-bodied wideouts who generally rely on size instead of speed, Collins is able to separate with his quickness. And while his route-running abilities need some polish, partially because of his decision to opt out in 2020, he remains a great deep threat and potential mismatch nightmare.

Getting him in Round 4 would be a steal, but that’s where he’s projected to go largely because of this year’s receiving depth.