Could the 49ers consider KJ Duff next offseason?
KJ Duff is a premier receiver in college football with his rare blend of size, contested catch dominance, and surprising speed. As a result, he’s an enticing target for the San Francisco 49ers and would instantly elevate their questionable receiving corps.
First off, it’s important not to get ahead of ourselves. It’s only August; plenty will change from now until the NFL Draft. However, it’s still important to identify these talented prospects who could be options in April. Fans should keep an eye on these players throughout the season. It gives them an advantage over the competition and helps them understand some targets and positions of need ahead of the year.
Having said that, let's dive into the summer scouting report for Rutgers wide receiver KJ Duff.
Duff, the six-foot-six, 225-pound junior, is coming off an impressive 2025 campaign with 60 receptions for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns. This performance earned him second-team All-Big 10 honors and established himself as top receiver in the nation.
He towers over his competition with his aforementioned frame and uses it to dominate contested catch situations. Duff’s able to box out smaller defenders and highpoint the ball with his large catch radius and elite athleticism. He’s insanely physical at the catch point, eliminating any chance for the defender to make a play.
Duff’s hands are unshakable, even against contact. The ball rarely hits the ground when he’s targeted, even if he only gets one hand on it (look up his catch against Penn State for reference). This makes him a quarterback’s best friend and someone they throw a prayer to while under duress.
Beyond this, Duff has surprisingly great speed and quickness. Obviously, he’s not as fast or shifty as a smaller receiver; nobody his size will ever be. However, he has respectable vertical speed and acceleration, making a defender respect the deep ball. This gives him more space underneath and allows him to show off his proficient route running.
The biggest question for Duff is if he can create consistent separation at the next level. He will always thrive in contested catches, but it’s difficult to succeed in the NFL solely on that. He must prove that he can detach from physical cornerbacks and find open space. If he does, Duff will go from a first-round hopeful to a guaranteed top-20 selection.
The 49ers have Mike Evans as their big-bodied, contested-catch receiver. However, he’s 32 years old, and Kyle Shanahan could seek his successor. Additionally, he’s struggled with injuries recently, making it imperative that they have a backup option. Because of this, targeting Duff next offseason could be wise and would give Brock Purdy a long-term, reliable weapon.
It’s too early to say anything definitively, but KJ Duff’s dominance in contested catches, unflappable hands, and surprising quickness make him an intriguing prospect who could resurface next April. Don’t be surprised to hear his name in round-one conversations for the 49ers.
