The San Francisco 49ers have come oh so close. They've reached the NFC Championship Game four times in the last five seasons and have a Super Bowl birth in two of those campaigns. But they've come up short time and time again each time. But perhaps after adding to their roster with the moves they made in the 2024 NFL Draft, the 49ers can get over the hump next season. Some of those moves include selecting Ricky Pearsall, Dominik Puni, and Malik Mustapha.
Drafting Ricky Pearsall
There have been a lot of rumors floating around regarding a potential trade of one of San Francisco's star receivers. Brandon Aiyuk has one year left on his contract before he can become a free agent. Deebo Samuel has two years remaining, but the 49ers can get out of his deal in 2025. Samuel will be 29 years old by then, and with Aiyuk looking for an extension, San Francisco may have to choose between one of the two.
It's better to be prepared for that scenario with someone waiting in the wings than not. That's why the 49ers opted to take Florida receiver Ricky Pearsall with the 31st overall pick in the first round. It was earlier than where many expected Pearsall to go, but it makes sense. He is an exquisite route runner who primarily shines in the slot but can also play a bit on the outside.
Pearsall also adds value in the return game and on the ground. He turned 21 carries in college into 253 yards and five touchdowns. The 49ers love to get their receivers the ball in open space any way they can, and the former Gator has shown he can excel in that role as well.
Jauan Jennings has been a valued slot receiver for the 49ers for many years now. Pearsall, however, has a path to playing time right away in that capacity. In addition, he provides insurance in case they can't keep one of their two stars in the future. This was a great pick for San Francisco.
Drafting Dominik Puni
It is never a bad idea to add depth and reinforcements to the offensive line. In the case of the 49ers, they could use improvements to it. They ranked 20th in the NFL in pass block win rate last season and 23rd in run block win rate according to ESPN. San Francisco found help up front in the third round with Kansas' Dominick Puni.
Puni was outstanding for the Jayhawks last season. He played over 340 snaps last season and didn't allow a single sack or hit on the quarterback. Puni also posted an outstanding pass-blocking grade.
Puni won't find much playing time at left tackle with Trent Williams still operating at the top of his powers. But, Colton McKivitz, San Francisco's right tackle, struggled last season and could see his playing time sapped. The 49ers didn't expend a ton of draft capital on their offensive line, but at least Puni should be able to help them in some capacity.
Drafting Malik Mustapha
The 49ers' depth at safety was compromised after losing star Talanoa Hufanga midseason to a torn ACL. That's where Wake Forest's Malik Mustapha comes in. He won't take Hufanga's job or anything of the sort, but he can fill in if Huganga isn't ready to start the season.
Mustapha is best operating around the line of scrimmage. PFF graded him as ranking in the 96th percentile of their database in run defense. He also ranked in the 90th percentile in slot coverage. Defending slot receivers has been an issue in the past, so this presents Mustapha with a path to play right away even when Hufanga is healthy.
San Francisco has been very close to a Super Bowl. They will be right there again this year. Hopefully, for their sake, this year's draft class can help them get over the hump this time around.
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