The San Francisco 49ers have completed their 2024 draft. They were able to fill some holes and grab some players who have a chance to make an impact. And there appeared to be a theme throughout the draft.
The 49ers selected players who have played a lot of college football, so some of them should be ready to go sooner rather than later. They also went after guys who have stayed on the field, meaning they seem to be staying away from players with injury histories. It's hard to blame them for that.
Perhaps the most shocking part of the 49ers draft is that they didn't take a defensive lineman. I thought they would draft a run-stuffing defensive tackle, and also an edge rusher. But they didn't.
Here are my rapid reactions—my quick observations regarding each draft pick. I'm also including whether or not the player is likely to make an impact as a rookie.
I like this pick, especially considering wide receiver will be a need for the 49ers in 2025.
Can he impact the team as a rookie? Yes, I believe Pearsall can, as another receiving option and perhaps as a punt returner.
Ricky Pearsall's 2023 highlight reel@FloridaGators pic.twitter.com/BC2P1VPfKV
— KNBR (@KNBR) April 26, 2024
The 49ers need help at corner. Some say this was a reach, taking Green this high. I've even heard fans say things like, "I like the player, but not the pick." That makes no sense. If the player ends up making the 49ers better, no one will care where he was taken.
Can he impact the team as a rookie? Yes, as more depth at corner. Green will likely compete for a starting role in 2024, but his bigger impact may be felt after this season.
A look at new #49ers CB Renardo Greenpic.twitter.com/HVCUlg7fvQ— Coach Yac (@Coach_Yac) April 27, 2024
The 49ers needed to address the offensive line, maybe even more than they did. Puni looks like he will be able to start someday, though not likely in 2024, unless there's any injury.
Can he impact the team as a rookie? Yes, as a backup at guard. In 2025, Puni will have the chance to compete for a starting spot.
Draft Dominick Puni on day 2 and your team is set. Short shuttle of 4.40 meets the 4.47 threshold. Can play all 5 spots on the OL if needed pic.twitter.com/3vwk7I7h4y— Billy M (@BillyM_91) April 11, 2024
We all knew the 49ers would take a safety. They may have found a good one, too.
Can he impact the team as a rookie? Yes, especially if Talanoa Hufanga doesn't come back as soon as the team hopes. And if Dre Greenlaw struggles to make it back, could the 49ers go with some three-safety looks?
Sit back and watch some Malik Mustapha highlights pic.twitter.com/mP8pcEpYrk— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) April 27, 2024
Shanahan joked about taking a running back. He wasn't kidding, though. He drafted another one. But this one was the fastest running back in the draft.
Can he impact the team as a rookie? Yes, as a backup to Christian McCaffrey, and possibly as a kick returner.
#49ers new RB Isaac Guerendo
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) April 27, 2024
Speed is another theme for the 49ers this year. And Cowing is fast.
Can he impact the team as a rookie? Perhaps, but his bigger impact will be in 2025 and beyond. Cowing's arrival could mark the end of the road for Danny Gray.
A look at #49ers receiver Jacob Cowingpic.twitter.com/ejV1kEgYvl— Coach Yac (@Coach_Yac) April 27, 2024
Another offensive lineman, which the 49ers will need in 2025, if not sooner.
Can he impact the team as a rookie? Probably not. Kingston is more of a developmental player.
The second Florida State Seminole the 49ers drafted.
Can he impact the team as a rookie? Not unless it's on special teams. Then again, if Greenlaw struggles to return, and last year's rookies, Dee Winters and Jalen Graham, don't step up, then Bethune could have a bigger role. But I still think he'll be a special teams guy in 2024 if he makes the team.
Tatum Bethune is going to fit right in pic.twitter.com/B7avEiiZdn— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) April 27, 2024
I don't mess with draft grades, especially before any player has even stepped on an NFL field. Did anyone know George Kittle, Fred Warner, or Brock Purdy would become the player they have become? I hadn't even heard of Kittle and Warner before they were drafted. So I never overreact, one way or another, about the draft.
Just let the guys go to work, play, and then we'll see what the draft looks like down the road.
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