The 49ers entered the 2024 NFL Draft hoping to add players capable of assisting in a Super Bowl run, and these grades reflect that. After surrendering three picks in the Trey Lance trade, San Francisco needs to hit on their picks and add some much-needed youth to an aging roster that will soon need to pay top quarterback money to Brock Purdy.
San Francisco 49ers NFL Draft Grades: Back to the Super Bowl?
First Round (31st Overall): Ricky Pearsall, WR
The best draft picks happen when need and talent align. The worst ones happen when teams reach for a player at a perceived need. Nobody outside of the 49ers organization thought that fifth-year Senior Ricky Pearsall was worth a first-round pick, although he is a decent fit for San Francisco’s YAC-based offense. This pick clearly signals that either Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel is not in the 49ers long-term plans, but they could’ve waited a round to draft a similar talent, or even Pearsall himself.
49ers Draft Grade: D
Ricky Pearsall NFL Draft Profile
Second Round: Renardo Green, CB
After a questionable start, the 49ers got back on track with their second pick. San Francisco needs another cornerback, and Green’s aggressive style of play was tailor-made for the NFC West and their loaded collection of wide receivers. He should start right away and add yet another playmaker to this talented defense.
49ers Draft Grade: A-
Renardo Green NFL Draft Profile
Third Round (86th Overall): Dominick Puni, G
Once again, talent and need align with this pick. The 49ers need more support along the interior offensive line, and Dominick Puni should be able to start right away, albeit he might not have the highest ceiling. He is a bit of an interesting choice, as his pass blocking is better than his run blocking, which is a questionable fit for San Francisco’s run-heavy attack. Ultimately though, the 49ers found a reliable starter, which justifies a high mark.
49ers Draft Grade: B+
Dominick Puni NFL Draft Profile
Fourth Round (124th Overall): Malik Mustapha, S
Malik Mustapha probably won’t ever be a full-time starter and shouldn’t be left alone in coverage. What he can do, however, is provide a physical presence in the run game. While there is still a role for players like Mustapha in today’s pass-heavy NFL, San Francisco should’ve looked to invest in a defensive back more suited to stopping opposing passing attacks.
49ers Draft Grade: C+
Malik Mustapha NFL Draft Profile
Fourth Round (129th Overall): Isaac Guerendo, RB
Christian McCaffrey has stayed healthy since becoming a 49er, but he’s getting up there in years and doesn’t have the best track record for injury. Elijah Mitchell is a fine Plan B, but Isaac Guerendo will help limit the burden in the event McCaffrey goes down. He’s the classic jack of all trades, master of none who usually does well in a Shanahan offense.
49ers Draft Grade: B
Isaac Guerendo NFL Draft Profile
Fourth Round (135th Overall); Jacob Cowing, WR
If Jacob Cowing is going to succeed in the NFL, it will be with the 49ers. The Arizona product is impressive after the catch but doesn’t do much to separate on his own. Fortunately, Kyle Shanahan excels at creating space for his receivers, and Cowing could be an exciting gadget player.
49ers Draft Grade: B+
Jacob Cowing NFL Draft Profile
Sixth Round (215th Overall): Jarrett Kingston, G
As you’d expect from someone drafted late in the sixth round, Jarrett Kingston doesn’t look like a starting-caliber player. However, scouting is an inexact science, so it makes sense for the 49ers to add some competition to one of the weaker parts of their roster.
49ers Draft Grade: B-
Seventh Round (251st Overall): Tatum Bethune, LB
The 49ers wrapped up their draft with Florida State linebacker Tatum Bethune. Bethune is rough around the edges and needs to clean up his fundamentals, but he plays the game with the aggression needed to succeed at the professional level. His easiest path to a full-time job is probably on special teams.
49ers Draft Grade: B-
Main Photo: Matt Pendleton – USA Today Sports
