Where do the San Francisco 49ers rank among the NFL's best position groups heading into the 2026 season? Pro Football Focus (PFF) attempted to answer that question with its latest rankings of all 32 receiving corps, running back groups, and secondaries.
The 49ers' wide receiver room underwent a significant makeover this offseason, with the team believing the group is better equipped for the 2026 season. Veterans Mike Evans and Christian Kirk were added, although Kirk has been sidelined throughout training camp with a calf strain.
"That's been unfortunate for him because he had the same thing in OTAs, so he missed that," head coach Kyle Shanahan said of Kirk this week. "And he hasn't been ready to go. He did it the first practice, before we even got to team periods, so I know he's been extremely frustrated with it.
"We love the guy so far, but hopefully, he can have some better luck going forward here so he gets some reps out here."
49ers receiving corps rank No. 13
PFF ranked the 49ers' revamped receiving corps No. 13 in the NFL. However, the analytics site noted that Shanahan has consistently produced a strong passing attack, with contributions from more than just his wide receivers.
"Ricky Pearsall's season-ending injury is a significant blow, but this team doesn't always need wide threats to find aerial success," PFF wrote. "San Francisco's 90.1 PFF receiving grade from running backs and tight ends was by far the highest in the NFL last year. George Kittle remains one of the most complete tight ends in the league, and Christian McCaffrey was the only running back to record 1,000 receiving yards in 2025.
"The addition of veteran Mike Evans gives this offense a proven outside contributor to help offset the loss of Pearsall."
Not mentioned is the 49ers' top draft pick, De'Zhaun Stribling, the rookie wide receiver who looks to be carving out a role on offense with a strong training camp, and the reunion with Deebo Samuel.
49ers running backs rank No. 5
PFF ranked the 49ers' running back group No. 5 in the NFL, boosted by the presence of Christian McCaffrey, who remains one of the most productive and versatile weapons in Kyle Shanahan's offense.
"Christian McCaffrey remains the best aerial threat at the running back position in the NFL, as proven by his 91.7 PFF receiving grade last year," PFF wrote. "His career receiving yards already rank sixth all time among backs. However, now at age 30, McCaffrey is coming off his lowest yards-per-carry season since his rookie year."
The biggest question mark is who will emerge as McCaffrey's primary backup. The 49ers hope someone can establish himself as a productive rusher who can keep their starter fresh and healthy throughout the long NFL season.
"This is a quietly stacked group behind him, though, provided they can stay healthy, with rookie Kaelon Black battling Jordan James for the second-string job, and also dealing with preseason injuries," PFF added. "The aging wonder that is fullback Kyle Juszczyk also boosts San Francisco's standing here."
49ers secondary ranks No. 24
The lowest-ranked of the three groups is the 49ers' secondary, which came in at No. 24. While Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green, and Upton Stout are projected to start at cornerback, there remains a competition at safety, with players such as Ji'Ayir Brown and Marques Sigle battling for a starting role.
"This is debatably the worst position group on an otherwise strong roster once again in 2026," PFF wrote. "It's a fairly young and homegrown unit — all five starters return from last year, and all were drafted by the organization."
PFF isn't particularly confident that the 49ers' secondary will be a strength in 2026, although an improved pass rush could help the unit, along with the continued development of several young players.
"While continuity will help, there just isn't much optimism to speak of," PFF added. "The 49ers' 52.3 overall PFF grade was the third-lowest of any secondary in football in 2025."
With the 49ers ranking No. 13 at wide receiver, No. 5 at running back, and No. 24 in the secondary, the rankings highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of San Francisco's roster heading into the 2026 season.
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