Is Devin McCuin primed for a breakout season?
Ohio State’s Devin McCuin is an underrated receiver who pairs excellent burst and explosiveness with a dangerous run-after-catch ability. He’s an interesting prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft and could be a dream fit in the San Francisco 49ers’ offense.
First off, it’s important to clarify the intention of this article. It isn’t a finalized scouting report or a declaration that the 49ers must draft Devin McCuin. Instead, it’s meant to identify him as a talented prospect who could break out in 2026. Plenty will change throughout the season, so keep that in mind as you read.
McCuin, the six-foot, 195-pound senior, spent the past three years at UTSA before transferring to Ohio State. He’s coming off a productive 2025 campaign with the Roadrunners, totalling 65 receptions for 726 yards and eight touchdowns. Now, he’s set to be a valuable complement to Jeremiah Smith and a dangerous weapon for Julian Sayin and the Buckeyes offense.
McCuin is an explosive, twitchy athlete who pairs savvy route-running with a dynamic run-after-catch ability. He’s a rapid accelerator who fires off the line of scrimmage, instantly threatening a defense deep. Then, he can throttle down and create quick separation. He understands how to stem an opposing cornerback and thrives at locating gaps against zone coverage.
Beyond this, McCuin’s one-cut ability and elite burst after the catch make him a constant big-play waiting to happen. He’s dangerous with the ball and excels in the screen game. This ability solidifies him as a three-level asset that a defense must always find.
McCuin’s biggest tasks in 2026 are showing scouts he can handle NFL-level competition and run an expansive route tree. He outclassed defenders at UTSA and didn’t need to run a variety of routes to win. However, this ability won’t hold up in the Big 10, forcing him to showcase his full skill set.
If he can, don’t be shocked to hear McCuin’s name on day two of the 2027 NFL Draft. This is the desired range for the 49ers, as their need at receiver makes him an intriguing prospect. Injuries have plagued Ricky Pearsall, and the rest of their room is either aging (Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel) or relatively unproven (De’Zhaun Stribling and Jacob Cowing). As a result, it’s a position that needs to be addressed next offseason.
It’s way too early to say anything conclusively, but Devin McCuin is a fun prospect that the 49ers must watch throughout the year. His superb explosiveness and ability with the ball make him a dangerous receiver who could be the future for Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
