The San Francisco 49ers have experienced mixed results with their recent draft classes. Six of the selections from 2022 and 2023 are no longer on the roster, and one player from this year's 49ers draft class is elsewhere. The 49ers lost offensive lineman Jarrett Kingston, whom they hoped to add to their practice squad, after the Washington Commanders claimed him.
"We ran out of numbers," general manager John Lynch told reporters on Wednesday. "You play the waiting game and think maybe we can sneak them through. It didn't work. So those ones hurt."
Still, the 49ers remain optimistic about the seven other members of their 2024 draft class.
"We thought we really hit on this draft class, and that remains to be [seen]," Lynch said. "I always tell people, 'Ask me a couple years down the line.' [WR] Ricky's [Pearsall] going to be a really good football player. He's had some health challenges. Ricky's a good player.
"[OL Dominick] Puni, the way he stepped in. [CB] Rernardo Green, he's everything we thought he would be. He gets up, he competes, he's sticky. Puni stepping right in. What we loved about Puni was his versatility. He played a lot of different spots, played a lot of football. Man, that's a guy that I'd be lying if I haven't said he's better than what I even thought he might be. Our style, the way we get out and run, it takes a little time, but he just took to it. He's still got a lot more in the tank. So he's doing a really good job.
"Our three fourth-rounders, [RB Isaac] Guerendo, [S Malik] Mustapha, and [WR Jacob] Cowing, all of them explosive, bring speed. They're playmakers. So, these guys are all doing really well. We're proud of this group, but they've got a long way to go."
Among the seven remaining draft picks, Puni has the best chance to be a Week 1 starter. He's made the most of his training camp and preseason opportunities, with injuries impacting the offensive line. The rookie has received more reps than previously expected.
Although the 49ers haven't officially declared Puni their starting right guard, head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated it's likely.
"It's going to be hard to take that from him," Shanahan said on Wednesday. "That's how he's been playing. That's how we've had the lineup in. We've got two practices before we go into next week and really solidify everything, but it would be hard to take that from him in these two practices."
Shanahan added that Puni looked the part from the start, which was a pleasant surprise.
"It usually takes guys some time and stuff," Shanahan commented. "We believed he could do it, but how quickly he's done it and how comfortable he has been in camp and these three preseason games is always a little surprising.
"But, never would've counted him out for that. That's why we like to say we drafted him, but it's been really a credit to him how ready he's been, and hopefully, that continues throughout the year."
Another standout is Mustapha, who is proving that the pro level isn't too big for him. The fast and physical safety is quickly becoming a fan favorite. Lynch acknowledged that Mustapha's game isn't perfect, which is expected for a rookie, but his on-field performance has been impressive.
"He's going to make an impact on this team," Lynch declared. "I think we can all see that. He plays fast, he plays physical. He's a Niner, and we're really excited about what's to come. And he's got a long way to go. Malik knows that. But he's a worker."
If these rookies' early performances are any indication, the 49ers may have struck gold in this draft class.