Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
Ricky Pearsall began his college career at Arizona State, where he accumulated 61 receptions for 794 yards and five touchdowns over three seasons. He then transferred to Florida, where he made 98 receptions for 1,626 yards and nine touchdowns in two seasons. Pearsall showcased his versatility and playmaking ability, contributing significantly to both teams’ offenses.
Ricky Pearsall, a vertical slot receiver, fits well into the 49ers’ scheme with his speed and ball skills. The 49ers needed depth at wide receiver with looming contracts and cap issues. Pearsall’s ability to stretch the field aligns with their offensive strategy. He might see initial use in motion and jet-sweeps to leverage his speed. Though he may not start immediately, he adds valuable depth and future potential.
The San Francisco 49ers drafted WR Ricky Pearsall 31st overall, surprising many since he was projected as a 2nd-3rd round pick. Despite his talent, Pearsall is buried on the depth chart for now. In college, he was a solid route runner but never exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in a season. For 2024, he holds little fantasy value in redraft leagues and is best avoided unless other options are exhausted. In dynasty leagues, he’s a solid hold with future potential but may not contribute significantly immediately. Consider trading him if someone offers a premium.
Ricky Pearsall can leverage his speed and ball skills to excel in deep routes and jet sweeps. Initially, focusing on mastering these aspects will be key. Improving his route-running precision and flexibility will enhance his overall effectiveness. Gaining strength to compete in contested catches is crucial. Building chemistry with the quarterback will aid his transition. Over time, he can become a reliable deep threat, akin to Christian Kirk.
College coach Billy Napier praised Pearsall’s route-running and punt return skills. Herm Edwards, former Arizona State head coach, commended his toughness and ability to make difficult catches. Pearsall, who clocked a 4.41 40-yard dash, fits well in the 49ers’ offense alongside Aiyuk, Samuel, and Kittle. The pick, graded B- by Scott Dochterman, offers insurance for potential future trades and adds depth to the receiver and punt return positions.
Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville
Isaac Guerendo began his college career at Wisconsin, where he played from 2019 to 2022. During his time with the Badgers, he totaled 582 rushing yards and six touchdowns, with an additional 124 yards and one touchdown receiving. In 2023, he transferred to Louisville, where he had a standout season, rushing for 810 yards and 11 touchdowns, and catching 22 passes for 234 yards. His performance included a career-high 161-yard, three-touchdown game in the Holiday Bowl against USC.
Isaac Guerendo fits well into the 49ers’ scheme with his blend of size, agility, and toughness. The 49ers need depth at running back, and Guerendo’s versatility as a runner and pass catcher addresses this. His decisive running style and pass protection skills suit the 49ers’ offense. Though not explosive, his ability to bounce off tacklers adds value. Guerendo could develop into a reliable three-down backup, filling a crucial role for the team.
Isaac Guerendo, the 49ers’ rookie RB, is a sleeper pick in dynasty leagues despite being third on the depth chart. His explosive NFL combine metrics, including a 4.33-second 40-yard dash and top percentile athletic scores, make him a potential breakout candidate. With Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell ahead of him, injuries could elevate Guerendo’s role quickly. Currently ranked RB65 in dynasty ADP, his rare athleticism could make him a valuable fantasy asset if given the opportunity. Keep an eye on Guerendo as a high-upside stash.
To succeed in the NFL, Guerendo must maintain his 2023 decisiveness, improve his initial burst, and maximize his versatility. Early contributions on special teams will solidify his roster spot, and with the 49ers’ history of backfield injuries, he could seize opportunities to play a larger role, proving his worth in crucial moments.
Lance Zierlein sees Isaac Guerendo as a potential three-down backup with NFL-level size and skill, likening him to Stevan Ridley. Dane Brugler highlights Guerendo’s elite speed and acceleration but notes his inconsistent decision-making, projecting him to thrive in an outside-zone scheme. Both experts emphasize his special teams contributions as key to his early impact. Louisville coaches praise his adaptability and perseverance despite limited carries and injuries. Guerendo’s combine performance boosts his draft stock, but his on-field productivity remains crucial for NFL success.
Jacob Cowing, WR, Arizona
Jacob Cowing started his college football career at UTEP, where he quickly became a starter at wide receiver as a freshman. He led the Miners in receiving yards and touchdowns in successive seasons, earning All-Conference USA honors both years. Cowing’s standout junior season included 69 receptions for 1,354 yards and seven touchdowns, cementing his status as a top receiver. He transferred to Arizona, receiving recognition on the Fred Biletnikoff Award watchlist for his potential impact.
Jacob Cowing, selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round, adds depth as a slot receiver with strong after-the-catch skills. His quickness and scoring ability complement the 49ers’ offensive scheme, emphasizing short-area burst and agility. However, Cowing needs to refine route running and improve consistency in catching contested passes to solidify his role on the roster. His experience as a dynamic playmaker at Arizona suggests he could contribute effectively in the 49ers’ quick passing game, enhancing their offensive versatility.
After transferring from UTEP to Arizona, he had a standout season with 90 receptions and 13 touchdowns. His back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns show his consistency. Cowing aims to secure a role in the 49ers’ offense during training camp. He could be a valuable late-round pick in fantasy leagues.
Jacob Cowing’s path to success in the NFL hinges on leveraging his experience and strengths as a competitive slot receiver and potential punt returner. To establish himself, he needs to refine his route running for better separation, enhance catch consistency under pressure, and adapt swiftly to the speed and physicality of NFL defenses. By showcasing his quick bursts and field vision, Cowing can carve a niche as a reliable option in short-area passing and special teams.
According to NFL analyst Lance Zierlein, Jacob Cowing’s path to success hinges on refining his route running and catch consistency to excel as a slot receiver and punt returner in the NFL. Former NFL coach and analyst Chad Reuter highlights Cowing’s competitive drive and quick bursts as key strengths, crucial for adapting to NFL-level competition.
Comparative Analysis
This 2024 draft class for the 49ers shows notable depth and talent at key fantasy positions compared to previous years. The addition of Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing enhances their wide receiver options, both offering future potential. Renardo Green and Malik Mustapha provide depth but are not immediate fantasy impacts. Isaac Guerendo adds a promising running back to develop behind Christian McCaffrey. Overall, this class bolsters the offense with potential future starters.
Conclusion
Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing bring immediate depth and potential impact to the 49ers’ receiving corps. Dominick Puni adds versatility and competition on the offensive line, while Isaac Guerendo and Jarrett Kingston offer promising long-term prospects. This draft class enhances both current roster depth and future stability for San Francisco’s offensive lineup.