Rebounding from a Super Bowl loss is never easy, but the San Francisco 49ers have the tools in place to return to the big game this season. Of course, a strong showing in the NFL Draft will make the bounce back even easier. What were the 49ers’ 2024 NFL Draft grades?
San Francisco 49ers NFL Draft Grades
Round 1, Pick 31: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
The 49ers have much greater needs than wide receiver … unless they trade Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk. Ricky Pearsall checked in as WR12 on the PFN Big Board, and with Adonai Mitchell, Ja’Lynn Polk, Keon Coleman, Ladd McConkey, Xavier Legette, and Roman Wilson still available, it’s hard not to call the Florida pass catcher a reach.
Grade: C-
Round 2, Pick 64: Renardo Green, CB, Florida State
Renardo Green is an impressive athlete who excels in man coverage. He has to improve his recognition in zone, and his transitions can be clunky, but the 49ers can maximize his strengths while hiding his weaknesses.
When Green was on top of his game, he was a true shutdown cornerback against some top-tier talent in the ACC a season ago.
Grade: B
Round 3, Pick 86: Dominick Puni, OL, Kansas
Dominick Puni will presumably kick inside for the 49ers, but he has experience starting at left and right tackle. Aaron Banks and Jon Feliciano are slated as starters at guard, but Puni can push for reps early in his career due to his fits in Kyle Shanahan’s run-heavy scheme.
There is a lot to like about Puni’s overall game, most notably his mauling ability on the ground.
Grade: B+
Round 4, Pick 124: Malik Mustapha, S, Wake Forest
Malik Mustapha sees the field better than most safeties in the class, and while Talanoa Hufanga and Ji’Ayir Brown are running the first team, he can push for snaps from the slot.
Grade: B+
Round 4, Pick 129: Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville
I love Isaac Guerendo as much as the next draft analyst, but the 49ers already have Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, and Patrick Taylor.
Guerendo fits what Shanahan wants to do on offense and will be productive on the field, but trading up for an RB3/4 in Round 4 is questionable at best.
Grade: D+
MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Grades For All 32 Teams
Round 4, Pick 135: Jacob Cowing, WR, Arizona
Look out, 49ers fans, San Francisco has taken two WRs who can play early — one of Samuel and Aiyuk is likely out of the door.
Jacob Cowing played 57 collegiate games, and while he is a slot-only option, he is a damn good one.
Grade: B
Round 6, Pick 215: Jarrett Kingston, OL, USC
Jarrett Kingston has the maneuverability Shanahan needs from his offensive linemen, but his shorter arms and inconsistent play dropped him down the board.
Grade: C+
Round 7, Pick 251: Tatum Bethune, LB, Florida State
Tatum Bethune is a small LB who sifts through the trash in run defense and has coverage upside.
However, he isn’t fluid, and blockers can take him out of plays if they get their hands on him.
Grade: B-
San Francisco 49ers 2024 NFL Draft Summary
From a quick glance, it seems like the 49ers reached on all of their selections. But reaching is relevant, and each pick — sans Guerendo — added talent to positions of need.
KEEP READING: 49ers UDFA Signings and Rookie Camp Invites
Pearsall received a C+ due to his position on the board compared to where he was selected, but if San Francisco deals Samuel or Aiyuk and the Florida WR balls out, then the grade is null and void.
Overall Grade: B-