The NFL Scouting Combine is fast approaching. It will begin next week in Indianapolis, and some San Francisco 49ers representatives will be in attendance to check out some of the assembled talent.
While head coach Kyle Shanahan almost never shows up to the event, preferring instead to judge a player based on their film from college, some players could still catch San Francisco’s eye as general manager John Lynch will be there and will obviously be a key part of the draft process.
This could be one of the rare years when the combine actually holds some importance for the 49ers. They need to get quicker on offense, especially at the wide receiver position, and if a guy runs a quick 40-yard-dash, that could catch Lynch's attention. How fast the receiver is with the ball in his hands and how his film looks will obviously be more important, but the combine is where a burner can stand out.
The Niners could have a very different looking wide receiver room with Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne set to be free agents, so they could use this offseason to add some speedy targets who can go deep for quarterback Brock Purdy.
We know Shanahan is hard on his young receivers and demands a lot from them, but he may have no other choice than to rely on a rookie receiver or two next season.
Let’s take a look at three quick receivers who will be at the combine and could impress the 49ers.
Chris Bell, Louisville
Bell’s recorded 40-yard dash time is 4.44 seconds. The Louisville product had 72 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns last season, including a long of 64 yards. He has some impressive speed and can break away from defenders with ease, so he could definitely be on San Francisco’s radar.
KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Another burner is K.C. Concepcion. His 4.46 40-yard-dash time is impressive, and last season he had 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s an explosive threat but has also had some drop issues.
Maybe the Niners would be willing to deal with the growing pains if he impressed at the combine.
Antonio Williams, Clemson
Running a 4.45 40-yard-dash, Williams had a more limited 2025 campaign due to injury, but in 2024, he had 75 receptions for 904 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has a high floor and could potentially make a big impact right away, so he is another speedster to look out for.
The Niners will be looking for more than just a fast 40-yard time, but these three receivers could separate themselves from the pack at the combine next week.Â