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The San Francisco 49ers get the luxury of picking for want rather than need. There are very few holes on the roster. While there are some questions about players like Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel being on the trade block, the 49ers were able to stockpile talent to groom for the future. Can this class finally help them capture a Super Bowl?
San Francisco 49ers 2024 NFL Draft Class
Draft picks
- Florida WR Ricky Pearsall (No. 31 overall)
- Florida State DB Renardo Green (No. 64)
- Kansas OG Dominick Puni (No. 86)
- Wake Forest DB Malik Mustapha (No. 124)
- Louisville RB Isaac Guerendo (No. 129)
- Arizona WR Jacob Cowing (No. 135)
- USC OT Jarrett Kingston (No. 215)
- Florida State LB Tatum Bethune (No. 251)
The San Francisco 49ers shocked many people on draft night by taking Pearsall in the first round. This signaled to many that an Aiyuk or Samuel trade was imminent, but one never came. As of this point, the Pearsall and Jacob Cowing picks are depth pieces and projects for the possible future.
Best Pick Of The Class: DB Malik Mustapha
This is the pick where the player matches the system. Mustapha is a hard-hitting safety and tone-setter for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. This fits the identity of the San Francisco 49ers, and he doesn’t have to be the star of the defense. Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and many others can carry the load with Mustapha being able to focus on steady improvement.
He is also the type of player who can make a huge impact on special teams in his rookie season. For many teams, day three of the draft is the time to get those players who no one knows but who make a huge impact on the game. I love this fit for the San Francisco 49ers.
Most Questionable Pick In The Draft: Lack Of Offensive Tackle
How long can the San Francisco 49ers rely on Trent Williams to be an elite left tackle? He is 35 years old and will turn 36 before the season begins. The team needs to start looking for their left tackle of the future. While they picked up a seventh round player in Jarrett Kingston, that is more of a prayer than a plan.
There was a run of tackles in the first round, but the San Francisco 49ers passed on many of the mid-round tackles who had promise. While they may have had their reasons for passing on those players, it is curious to me that they do not have a backup plan right now for their aging tackle.
Most Interesting Pick: WR Jacob Cowing
How does Cowing fit into the San Francisco 49ers offense? As it stands now, he is behind Aiyuk, Samuel, George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, and likely Pearsall. His speed and athleticism makes him tantalizing in the Kyle Shanahan offense but his opportunities may be limited. For a player many people liked as a late round receiver, I am interested to see his role.
This is definitely an above-average class, but I don’t see this class moving the needle for this team. Many of them may be quality players down the line, but right now, they are role players who may not see the field much in 2024.
San Francisco 49ers Draft Grade: B-
