By Jacob Bugarin
The NFL draft was on April 25-27 and the 49ers finally had a first round pick since 2021 when they took quarterback Trey Lance. This year the defending NFC Champs had eight picks in this 2024 NFL draft. This draft consisted of a heavy load of offense in the first round and there was a lot of defense in the later rounds. I will be giving you an insight of who the person the 49ers drafted was and how they will impact the 49ers team.
Round 1-(31st): WR: Ricky Pearsall. Florida. Height: 6’1, Weight: 189
This pick was a shocker for most fans because there were corners that the 49ers like Kool-Aid Mckinstrey and Cooper Dejean still on the board. Ricky Pearsall A.K.A, Slick Rick first played at Arizona State with Brandon Aiyuk then transferred to Florida where he would flourish. Though he never had a 1,000 season, he didn’t always have the best quarterback for him. The 49ers drafted him because they do need route runners to get open on man coverage. Slick Rick will impact this team in the route running perspective when it comes to man, whether it’s next year or this year, he will be a stud for the 49ers.
Round 2-(64th): CB: Renardo Green: Flordia State. Height: 6’0, Weight: 186
One of the positions needed badly due to both 49ers corners being on their last contract and need of another CB3, enter Renardo Green. Leading Florida State in pass breakups and a press man specialist, this is something that 49ers need. Not to mention, he is a run support corner which is going to keep the 49ers defense at the top still. I believe he is going to be in the slot or outside corner depending on Deommodore Lenoir, but this secondary got its help.
Round 3(86th): OG: Dominick Puni: Kansas: Height: 6’5 ,Weight: 313
This guy could play tackle also because he was a left and right tackle when he went to Central Missouri. He had zero allowed sacks in the last two seasons he played with Kansas and made First Team Big 12. I think he will be a starter for the 49ers and might be playing on the right side guard due to being the weak point of the 49ers in the offense. With his good pass protection and being in the 49ers scheme, his run blocking will be good by the first game.
Round 4(124): S: Maik Mustapha: Wake Forest: Height: 5’10 Weight: 209
A very good run stopper when playing the run, Mailk Mustapha led his team in tackles having 80 this year which will be good for the 49ers. With 49ers All-Pro Safety Taloana Halfunga coming off an ACL injury, he might be filling in for safety or he might be a special teams warrior. He plays with a high motor and plays with hustle, something the 49ers defense will need.
Round 4(129): RB: Issac Guerendo: Louisville: Height:6’0 Weight: 221
Issac was not very utilized when he played in college, but with his 40 yard time as a 4.33 and being very impactful in the passing game. Though he may not see the field due to the 49ers backfield being loaded, he might be a kick or punt returner for being so fast. But, I think once he sees the field, he might be the second coming of Raheem Mostert.
Round 4(135): WR: Jacob Cowing: Arizona: Height: 5’8 Weight: 168
Though he may not have the height or weight, he was very impactful in Arizona where he had 1,000 yards in 2022 and 13 TD in 2023, he was very good at gaining separation. Really good after the catch and breaking tackles even at 168 pounds. With the 49ers WR room stacked, he may not see the field, but may be a great backup if Deebo or Aiyuk go down.
Round 6(215): OG: Jarret Kingston: USC: Height: 6’5 Weight: 306
I think around the later rounds is where the 49ers find some hidden gems, this could be one. Very versatile playing almost every position on the line. He played many games at right guard and right tackle which makes his chances higher in making the roster. Where he may play guard or tackle on the right side to help the weakest side in the offense.
Round 7(251): LB: Tatum Bethune: Florida State: Height:5’11 Weight: 229
The Florida State defense was really good this year and Tatum was the leading tackler with 70 tackles on Florida State. With his ability to cover and is a hitter just like Dre Greenlaw. I believe he will be a starter in this defense because with Dre Greenlaw coming from an Achilles injury, the 49ers need more Linebackers. With the 49ers linebacking coaches always good at developing them, I think Tatum is going to be a good linebacker for this team.
beniciapaw.com 