Niners Nation
Kyle Shanahan wasn’t looking for starters two years ago, that process has changed drastically
At the NFL owners’ meetings in West Palm Beach, Kyle Shanahan discussed the contract negotiations with Dre Greenlaw, his excitement to begin offseason activities with the current 49ers group, and the previous year’s draft strategies.
“I remember going into it (two) years ago and thought the only starting position we could find was a kicker — we were so solidified.”
The 49ers were in a position where their first draft pick was in the third round two seasons ago. The team selected safety Ji’Ayir Brown from Penn State and kicker Jake Moody from Michigan with their first two picks. While Moody would “start,” the idea that no current starter on the roster could end up injured or could suffer in productivity seemed a little short-sighted.
The 2024 draft class returned instant results, and the 49ers will look for lightning to strike twice with the 2025 draft class.
Pro Football Focus ranked the most productive rookie classes in 2024.
Bradley Locker of PFF ranked the 49ers' 2024 class at number seven.
San Francisco’s 2024 season was a disappointment, but not because of its draft picks. Third-round guard Dominick Puni was a revelation, turning in 0.33 WAR and an 80.5 PFF overall grade — which ranked sixth among qualifiers at the position. The 49ers’ injuries in the secondary were mitigated by the play of Renardo Green (74.3 PFF coverage grade) and Malik Mustapha (66.3 PFF run-defense grade). Despite playing in only 11 games, first-round pick Ricky Pearsall still managed to accrue 0.12 WAR with a 64.1 PFF receiving grade. Most impressive might be that none of the 49ers’ rookies contributed negative WAR.
Snagging a starting guard with a starting safety and cornerback is a great start, but the fact that Ricky Pearsall has a big opportunity in 2025 as the lone first-round pick with results pending for wide receiver Jacob Cowing and backup running back Isaac Guerendo means the rookie class has a chance to be even better this season.
If this draft class nets four starters with meaningful contributors, it would be a massive success for a team looking to get younger and cheaper in the draft. Whatever the team’s process was last season can hopefully be duplicated this month for the 49ers.
